This is the 2023 Civic Type R, the most powerful R-branded Honda road car ever built, and arguably the most important enthusiasts’ machine of the year.
The sixth Civic Type R since the series was launched in 1997 is based on the latest 11th generation Civic hatch, but it closely follows the template established by the previous R model that was launched in 2017. That means, unlike the Civic Si, which comes only as a sedan, that the hottest Civic is very definitely a hatch.
There had been some wild speculation during the new model’s early development that it might switch to all-wheel drive, along with some slightly more believable predictions that the 2023 machine would adopt a hybrid setup, or offer a dual-clutch transmission. But the car as delivered is simpler, more familiar, and probably all the better for it from a driver’s perspective.
More power but same philosophy Honda has stuck with the existing K20 2.0-litre turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission, making only detail improvements to both, though those changes mean the 2023 R generates even more power. Exactly how much of an advance it makes on the outgoing U.S.-spec FK8’s 306 hp (310 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque (Japanese and European versions were rated at 316 hp/320 PS) Honda isn’t saying just yet. But whatever it kicks out it once again sends to the front wheels through a mechanical limited slip differential.
No performance figures are available, and Honda hasn’t released a weight figure to help us accurately estimate them, but the 2023 car is likely to shortcut the crazy (for a FWD car) 4.9 seconds the old Type R required to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in Car & Driver’s hands, and guaranteed to be quicker on any track you care to name. It has already set a new production-car record for a front-wheel drive car at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan, though recovering its Nürburgring crown by beating the smokin’ 7 min 20 seconds time set by the Lynk & Co 03 Cyan Concept in 2019 might be too much to ask.
If you fancy having a go yourself you’ll be able to track your progress using the Honda LogR data logger that displays real-time information on the car’s behavior and is backed by a digital stopwatch. You can even share your driving videos from the comfort of your all-red Type R bucket seats, which are upholstered in a suede-style fabric to prevent you sliding around during high-G maneuvers.