The next-generation Honda Civic Type R is already out for both the global and Philippine markets. On paper, it comes with several improvements including a slightly more powerful engine, a lighter chassis, and a sleeker exterior design, among others.
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5
But how does the new Civic Type R FL5 perform against the older Civic Type R FK8 in the real world? A UK-based car-oriented Youtube channel named AutoTrader sought to answer that by pitting the two against each other via a series of races on the Castle Combe Circuit.
2023 Honda Civic Type R: Track Review [Video: AutoTrader]
As seen from the video above, the newer Civic Type R consistently beat the older model on multiple drag race runs from a standstill.
On the rolling drag race, the previous generation Civic Type R was neck and neck with the newer Civic Type R.
The final track test AutoTrader performed for the FK8 and FL5 involved a timed full run of the Castle Combe Circuit. At the end of the lap run, the newer Civic Type R overall was faster around the track. It finished with a time of 1:20.02, while the older model managed a time of 1:21:08.
The newer model was dominant during the drag races from a standstill [Photo: AutoTrader]
As pointed out by the video host, the better performance of the newer model during the drag race may be attributed to having better tires. So if the older model was fitted with the same tires as the newer Type R, the results could have been a bit different.
The new Civic Type R uses a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Compare that to the older model, which gets a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The newer ones are touting a better compound, and this is a key point to note considering how the newer Civic Type R performed.
Likewise, the older model is lighter than the newer model. Specifically, the older Civic Type R FK8 is 1,328 kg, while the newer Civic Type R FK8 is 1,429 kg. This might have offset the power difference between the two cars during the rolling race.
Neck and neck during the rolling drag race [Photo: AutoTrader]
For your reference, the older Honda Civic Type R FK8’s 2.0-liter turbo engine can produce up to 306 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The next-gen Honda Civic Type R FL5’s 2.0-liter turbo mill meanwhile, can make up to 316 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Both vehicles are still fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, and they are both front-wheel-drive.
But then again, the host also mentioned that the newer Civic Type R’s turbo boost comes faster compared to the old model. This comes via an upgraded turbocharger with a revised fan blade count and turbine shape.
The combination of having better tires and a more responsive turbo then came to play during the hot lap. The said track, after all, had dramatic curves as well as fast straights.
During the hot lap, the newer Civic Type R FL5 was one second faster [Photo: AutoTrader]
Does this convince you that the next-generation Honda Civic Type R is a good buy? Also, are incremental performance improvements worth its tag of Php 3,880,000 in the Philippine market?
For more car news and automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse.
Know more about Honda Civic Type R 2024
The 2024 Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance, compact, five-seater, front-wheel-drive liftback. In the Philippine market, it carries a standard retail price of Php 3,870,000.
Under the hood of the Civic Type R is a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline turbocharged engine that can make up to 316 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching.
Size-wise, the latest version of the Civic Type R is 4,593mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,407mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,735mm and a ground clearance of 123mm.
Locally, the Honda Civic Type R competes against the Subaru WRX, Dodge Charger, Lexus ES, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz CLA, among others.
Honda Civic Type R Launch
The sixth-generation 2023 Honda Civic Type R was initially introduced in July 2022. It then saw an initial release in its home country of Japan. It then reached the Philippine market in January 2023, where it retails at Php 3.880 million. It is sold in limited numbers locally.
Honda Civic Type R Exterior
The all-new Honda Civic Type R comes with a number of exterior features that make it a potent performer on the track and the road. For the former, it gets a set of functional vents, a honeycomb grille, wider fenders, and a rear wing. The rear also gets a triple-tip exhaust, as well as a Type R rear diffuser.
Lighting for the Civic Type R includes automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, front fog lamps, LED side turn signal lights, and power-adjustable and power-folding side mirrors, among others.
Honda Civic Type R Interior
Inside the Civic Type R are red bucket seats which come with red Honda badges, and red floor mats. Up to five can be seated, and all are kept cool by an automatic air-conditioning system.
The driver then gets a push-to-start button with smart entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, and a tilt & telescopic steering column, among others.
Technology & Safety Features
The highlight of the Civic Type R’s on-board tech is the Honda LogR. This is the car’s datalogger which records one’s performance on the track. It keeps tabs on a driver’s lap time and other relevant driving data.
Safety-wise, the Civic Type R is also comprehensive. Present on the said model is the Honda Sensing driver assist system which includes adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, and automatic high beams.
Keep everyone entertained aboard the Civic Type R a nine-inch touchscreen headunit with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Bluetooth and USB connectivity. A wireless smartphone charger is also available.
Platform & Chassis
The 2024 Honda Civic Type R uses a front-wheel-drive, front-engine layout. Up front is a dual-axis strut suspension system, while the rear uses a multi-link suspension. Braking is then handled by Brembo 350mm ventilated disc brakes for the front, and 305mm disc brakes for the rear. It also gets an electronic parking brake with an auto brake hold.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the Honda Civic Type R is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine. Power is sent to its front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox that comes with a built-in rev-matching system.
At the maximum, this engine can make up to 316 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Managing that power are four drive modes. There’s Comfort, Individual, Sport, and +R.
There are only two available colors for the Philippine-spec 2024 Honda Civic Type R. There’s the Civic Type R’s signature Championship White, and the other is Racing Blue.
The Honda Civic Type R is officially the most powerful front-wheel-drive liftback/hatch in the Philippine market. So in that niche, it is unmatched. That said, it is also on-par with a number of coupes and sedans in the local scene when it comes to track performance. This Honda, however, has an edge over plenty of other sports cars as it has a roomy interior that’s still practical for daily use.
Honda Civic Type R Pros & Cons
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Honda Civic Type R Q&A
1. How much does a Honda Civic Type R cost?
In the Philippines, the price of Honda Civic is priced at P3,870,000 with only one model available.
2. Is the Honda Civic Type R fuel efficient?
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance sports car, and as such, it prioritizes performance over fuel efficiency. The EPA rates the Honda Civic Type R at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
3. What makes the Civic Type R so fast?
The Civic Type R is fast due to its turbocharged engine and lightweight chassis.
4. What does Type R stand for?
The "Type R" badge on Honda vehicles stands for "Type Racing." It is a high-performance variant of certain Honda models that are designed and engineered for racing and performance enthusiasts.
5. Does Type R have VTEC?
Yes, the Honda Civic Type R is equipped with Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology.
₱ 3,880,000
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