Honda Australia opens orders for Civic Type R

Honda Australia will officially open its ordering system for the all-new Civic Type R on December 1, 2022, ahead of the first customer deliveries scheduled to begin in February 2023.

Honda said the new FL5-generation model is the most powerful, best-performing, well-equipped Civic Type R ever and will launch with a national drive away price of $72,600.  

“Since the world premiere of the all-new Civic Type R in July, more than 4,000 enthusiasts and prospective customers have registered their details via the Honda website, keen to stay up to date with the latest news and information on the new model,” said Honda Australia Director, Carolyn McMahon.

“There has also been a significant spike in the volume of enquiry we’ve received, with our network of Honda Centres telling us that customers are contacting them regularly, eager to put their names down to secure a new Civic Type R.

“We understand the level of interest as the Civic Type R represents the pinnacle of performance for Honda, so to support our network partners and customers, we’ve opened the order books early to allow official orders to be placed via our customer experience portal.”

The new generation model boasts a clean, modern design paired with a high-tech, human-centred interior and equipped with the latest technology features, as well as advanced active and passive safety systems.

Now entering its sixth generation, the more powerful 2023 Civic Type R recently set a new production-car front-wheel drive track record at Suzuka Circuit in Japan, securing its legacy as the best performing Civic Type R.

EQUIPMENT

Honda said Type R has been equipped to compete with rivals at the top of the hot hatch segment.

“Through exceptional advancements and the application of motorsport-derived technologies, Honda’s engineers have exceeded the capabilities of even the stripped out, lightweight version of the previous model,” said Carolyn McMahon.

“It is this dedication to performance excellence that has made the Civic Type R so popular with driving purists for 25 years.

“As part of its development, the engineers refined every aspect of the new model, including design enhancements that improve aerodynamic performance, along with lightweight components and powertrain revisions that have created the most powerful and responsive Civic Type R yet.

“In addition to the performance-focused upgrades, which deliver the ultimate Type R driving experience, an extensive list of new features and technologies position the new model as the most well-equipped and complete Civic Type R ever.”

When compared to the specification of the previous generation Civic Type R, the new model is equipped with a wide-ranging list of new features and technologies, including:

• Newly developed 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine with increased power and torque
• Individual drive mode in addition to Comfort, Sport and +R
• Active exhaust valve
• Wider 265/30 size Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
• Customisable 10.2-inch high-definition full colour digital driver information display
• Blind spot information system
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Traffic Sign Recognition System
• Intelligent Speed Limiter
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Knee airbags – driver and front passenger
• 9-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless phone charger
• Honda Connect
• In-built Honda LogR
• Satellite navigation
• Acoustic windscreen
• ‘Smart Clear Wiper’ windscreen wiper/washer system
• Auto-retractable door mirrors
• Full suede-effect seat trim
• Ambient door trim and front footwell lighting

Paint colours will include Championship White, Rally Red, Crystal Black and Sonic Grey.

PERFORMANCE

Engineers conducted extensive development in Japan and performed rigorous testing at racetracks in Japan, North America and Europe to improve Type R’s chassis. This included testing on Germany’s Nürburgring, the world’s most challenging racetrack, helping make the variant more responsive, comfortable and thrilling-to-drive.

Under its new vented aluminium bonnet is a more powerful version of Honda’s award-winning K20C1 engine. Power, torque and response are improved by a redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate and a new, more efficient exhaust system that features a straight through design and an active exhaust valve.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 235 kW of power and 420 Nm of torque – improvements of 7 kW and 20 Nm respectively over the previous model. A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving.

To strengthen the driver’s connection with the car, the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.

The smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission was improved for a more intimate and rewarding connection with the driver. A lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping maintain stability on corner entry. The gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimised shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change.

Based on the all-new 11th-generation Civic hatch, the sharp responses and addictive driving feel of c Type R have been increased by a significantly more rigid body structure, which supports improved dynamics and refinement. The wheelbase has been extended for a smoother ride and greater stability, while front and rear tracks are also significantly wider than before.

Together with a retuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, the changes improve straight-line stability and steering feel. Type R is equipped with two-piece front brake rotors to reduce unsprung weight, while brake cooling is also improved, and a retuned brake booster enhances feel and controllability.

Drivers can seamlessly switch between four pre-set performance settings, selecting different modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. Additional to Comfort, Sport and +R modes, a new Individual mode enables customisation of the driving experience.

AERODYNAMICS

Integrated advanced aerodynamics give Type R a more sophisticated, muscular look, building on the sleek and sporty silhouette of the new generation Civic. Designed with input from aerodynamic development members of the HRC Sakura Super GT team, its exterior is also more aerodynamically efficient, generating significantly more downforce improving high speed stability.

Designed in Japan, Type R’s new, body features integrated flared wheel arches over wider tracks and lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in wider 265/30 ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The new wheels use a special ‘reverse rim’ design that improves the stability of the tyre contact patch under load.

The front bumper features a three-dimensional design that incorporates aerodynamics into an opening layout for efficient airflow management. In a departure from previous approaches, the guard outer and rear doors have been newly designed exclusively for Type R.

As for the rear design, the integrated guards, which rise from the side panels, also contribute to reducing aerodynamic noise around the wheel arches. The diffuser is integrated directly from the underfloor and aerodynamically shaped deep into the body, contributing to the realisation of high downforce and stability.

The new rear spoiler design further contributes to downforce generation and has been angled rearward to suppress air resistance. Supported by new aluminium die-cast mounts, the rear wing sits lower but wider than the previous model, accentuating the sleek new roofline and wider stance.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Designed to support intense driving experiences, the cockpit enhances the exhilaration of driving with emotive, performance-focused details and features, including Type R’s iconic red seats, carpet and trim, a redesigned aluminium shift knob and a serialised Type R build plate affixed to the dashboard.

The driver sits lower than before in new, lighter, body-stabilising sport seats, yet with greater visibility courtesy of the thinner pillars, relocated side mirror and a lower bonnet that are key design features of the 11th-generation Civic. The new lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer support and comfort on the track and during long drives.

To better support performance driving, Type R’s exclusive new digital meter display features clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays. The design features a large tachometer and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display. A second new meter design is exclusive to the +R mode and allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with the engine rpm and gear position placed at the top.

A heavily updated version of the Honda LogR data logger will be available for this new generation of Civic Type R, combining performance data from the onboard computer and in-car sensors with a new built-in vehicle app, rather than just the smartphone app available on the previous model. LogR helps drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters in real time when driving on the track or other closed courses, helping to improve driving skills.

Type R is built at the Yorii Plant in Japan, while the K20C1 engine is manufactured at Honda’s Anna Engine Plant in Ohio, USA.

The model’s arrival will represent the final stage of a three-phase rollout for the new generation of Honda’s iconic small car nameplate, joining the premium VTi LX and progressive e:HEV LX to complete the Civic family line-up.