2023 Honda Civic Type R review finds scintillating hot hatch

Experience the thrilling drive of the Honda Civic Type R: A beacon of excitement among boring compacts and beige SUVs.

Fun has disappeared from many motoring manufacturer landscapes.

Excitement and engagement dosn’t feature on too many spreadsheets where bottom line performance dominates.

Honda hasn’t forgotten its foundation. Within the Japanese carmaker’s showroom is a raft of sensible family chariots, yet there is also something special.

The Civic Type R is a shining beacon among the current horde of beige SUVs and boring compacts. Requiring an investment of more than $72,000 there was no shortage of buyers when first launched in March – and while the initial wait time for some was approaching two years, the delivery date is now closer to 10 months for new orders.

Buyers keen to secure the Honda Civic Type R face a queue of about 10 months.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: The teenage boys at school pick-up zone were beside themselves. Their excitement was palpable, and they were loving the “whip” as they took in the angles while circling the car and then had to take control of the stereo and play the soundtrack from The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. It’s fair to say my first drive was unforgettable.

GRANT: Brash with its sizeable rear spoiler, matte-black five-spoke alloys, triple exhaust outlets, full body kit and super low-profile rubber ensure it’s a crowd pleaser.

KEL: Inside was equally sporty where red seemed to be the primary colour choice.

GRANT: It’s the fastest hue, so stands to reason why the carpet, front bucket seats and seat belts are all red.

KEL: Given the price it justifiably feels a hefty step up from the standard Civic.

GRANT: The serial number build plate on the dash just reaffirms its individual significance. It’s not all about performance, with wireless phone charging, dual-zone aircon, smartphone mirroring and a nine-inch central infotainment screen.

Matching the red Honda badge and brake calipers on the outside, the Honda Civic Type R interior features front bucket seats, carpet and seat belts all in red.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE?

KEL: While the teenagers were frothing, I still found the styling classy. Like the Lulelemon of activewear.

GRANT: Our test car looks the goods in its racy red, and it also comes in black, grey and white. The aluminium gear shift knob feels great in your hand with impressive driver comfort and all-round vision.

KEL: Grocery shopping was a breeze with that large boot.

GRANT: Our family trip to the airport also saw it swallow three large suitcases and a couple of backpacks.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: I don’t think I could handle racing seats long-term. Large side bolsters mean my short legs have further to stretch, and then the inside of my pants get dirty as they brush the car as I get inside.

GRANT: Surely that’s like a free pilates class? The seats are wonderful, they hug you into place and inspire twisty activities.

KEL: Having those seats also means no heating functionality. I missed that. And I’m also not convinced of the suede-covered steering wheel as I found it slippery.

GRANT: It’s the best heat-resistant material and the choice of race car drivers around the world.

Beautiful composure is a key feature of the Honda Civic Type R.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Fast away from the lights, it feels quick but not electric car-like rapid.

GRANT: With additional power compared to its predecessor, the Type R’s standstill to 100km/h time is swift at just over five seconds. Where it excels is balance, poise and stickiness in the bends.

KEL: Never did it feel like a challenge no matter how fast I took a corner. It was rail-like up some challenging undulating hills and chicanes.

GRANT: Short throws between cogs make the six-speed manual a joy. In front of that shifter is a toggle which enables the driver to change drive modes, adjusting the acceleration response, steering feel, suspension, engine sound and rev matching, as well a R+ button which dials up the fun factor to extreme.

KEL: Tight carparks were challenging, and some spaces where I thought U-turns were possible became three-point turns.

GRANT: That’s a trade-off for the brilliant steering feel. My preference would also be for some more crackle and noise from the exhaust – it’s too muted and needs to match the brilliant performance.

Sporty external looks translate inside with the Honda Civic Type R.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: This would tempt me more than the run-of-the-mill Civic. While expensive, it’s exciting and doesn’t compromise family duties at the expense of athleticism.

GRANT: The Type R is one of the most complete performance cars on the market. Brilliant balance, composure and handling make it a standout hot hatch which gives the Hyundai i30 N a run for its money, and also offers more engagement than an VW Golf R and better internal finishes than a Toyota Corolla GR.