2023 Honda Civic Type R [EU]

The launch of the all-new Civic Type R comes as Honda celebrates 25 years of its iconic high-performance hatchback - and 50 years of Civic. The next-generation model has been engineered to deliver the fastest Civic Type R to date, building on a long tradition of performance cars inspired by the spirit of racing. Building on the human-centred approach to dynamics, design and usability applied when developing the 11th generation Civic, Honda engineers have refined every aspect to create the Honda Civic Type R. Integrated design enhancements including a functional hood vent and a new rear diffuser that bring new aerodynamic benefits, whilst complementing the sporty silhouette. The Type R is also lower and wider than the standard Civic, with a new rear spoiler design accentuating the sleek roofline and contributing to the car's aerodynamic performance and muscular appearance.

Lightweight components and an increase in power from the 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine combine to create one of the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class. A revised rev-match system with auto blip ensures that gear changes with the six-speed manual transmission offer drivers a rewarding experience. Inside, the Type R features the evocative red interior, lightweight sport seats and driver-focused controls that distinguish all performance Hondas. In addition to pre-set driver modes, a new Individual mode enables new levels of customisation for drivers, enabling them to personalise vehicle characteristics such as throttle response and steering feedback. The onboard Honda Log R datalogger has improved monitoring and an innovative scoring function to help drivers improve their performance on the track.

Powerful aerodynamic exterior design

Developed under the model concept of creating the "Ultimate Sports 2.0", all aspects of the new Civic Type R have been reengineered to heighten the sense of driving exhilaration by improving aerodynamic performance and increasing downforce. Building on the sleek and stylish lines of the all-new Honda Civic, the Type R presents a more aggressive stance and greater road presence, which perfectly illustrates the vehicle's fast, dynamic, and addictive nature. The Honda Civic Type R is 8mm lower and 90mm wider than the Civic e:HEV, and 13mm lower and 15mm wider than the previous generation Civic Type R. The low, muscular appearance is achieved through sculpted, muscular wheel arches that flare out over new reverse rim, lightweight and high rigidity 19-inch matte black alloy wheels. These unique Type R wheels are fitted with bespoke compound 265/30R/19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres all round.

The most powerful VTEC Turbo ever

Since the first generation launched in 1997, the Civic Type R has become renowned for its powerful, highly responsive, and high revving engines. The latest iteration continues this dedication to performance excellence that has made the Civic Type R so popular with driving purists for 25 years. The new Honda Civic Type R is powered by a revised 2.0 litre VTEC four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which features the application of several motorsport-derived technologies. These further improve the output, torque and response beyond the capabilities of even the lightweight Limited Edition version of the previous model. The development team have redesigned the turbocharger to improve its efficiency. By reducing the number of turbo blades and optimising their shape and diameter, inertia within the unit has been reduced. A redesigned housing shape is smaller and more compact than its predecessor and further contributes to the higher output and responsiveness of the turbocharger.

Safety technology

The all-new Civic Type R benefits from the advanced suite of class-leading safety features, including the latest Honda SENSING enhancements, introduced in the standard Civic. The latest safety features mark the next step in Honda's bold ambition to bring traffic collision fatalities involving Honda automobiles and motorcycles to zero by 2050. The sonar sensors that first debuted in the all-new Civic, four at the front and four at the rear, use the reflection of sound waves to detect non-metallic objects such as glass and walls. The front camera provides a 100-degree view and enables enhanced recognition technology to improve the car's capability to identify road lines, verges, motorcycles, and cyclists. A high-speed processing chip has been used to improve the detection, performance, and control of the system, meaning the Honda SENSING system can detect objects earlier and more accurately than conventional millimetre radar systems, including pedestrians in light and dark environments.