Searing Performance

While the Type R is built on the regular Civic platform, the engineering under the hood offers an entirely new dimension of performance. The 2023 powertrain is based around a 2.0L turbo engine pushing out an incredible 315 horsepower and 310lb-ft of torque, delivering the highest output yet seen in the Type R’s history.

The jaw-dropping power is passed to front-wheel drive through a six-speed manual transmission, creating an exhilarating hands-on driving feel that reflects the Type R’s racetrack roots. To complete the handling picture, a four-mode drive system has options for Comfort, Sport, Individual, and +R maximum performance, optimizing throttle response, suspension dampening, steering, and more to suit the driving scenario.

New Sporty Design

The new Type R has also been given an exterior makeover to reflect the increased power under the hood. The body is longer and wider than the previous design and sits lower to the pavement for increased driving thrills. Aerodynamic enhancements include flared fenders, side spoilers, and a track-style rear wing spoiler, while the 19-inch black alloy wheels are clad in high-performance Michelin tires to combine great looks with extreme grip.

To complete the aggressively sporty look, the triple-outlet centre exhaust is finished in chrome, leaving drivers behind without doubt about the Type R’s class and sports heritage.

Racing-Inspired Interior

The track-inspired theme continues to the Type R’s interior, which is equipped with striking red seats, carpet, and trim, contrasting with the matte black cockpit and aluminum trims. The front seats are clad in suede-effect upholstery for both comfort and friction under high g-force and are built to a bucket design with side supports to handle the fiercest cornering manoeuvres.

Cutting-Edge Interior Tech

Technology abounds in the Type R interior, starting with the 10.2-inch colour TFT display nestled behind the steering wheel. Essential driving info is conveyed with digital clarity, including a rev meter with signalling for optimum gear shift points.

A second 9-inch touchscreen display handles infotainment functions, which include navigation, smartphone integration, Bluetooth messaging, and more, as well as Honda’s innovative data log, which records essential performance information for later review via a dedicated smartphone app.

For audio devotees, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system links up with AM/FM, Bluetooth streaming, HD radio, and more to deliver perfect sound quality wherever your Type R adventures take you.

Advanced Safety and Driver-Assist Technology

Considering all the power available under the Type R’s hood, it’s reassuring that the model is also equipped with some of the most advanced safety and driver-assist technology available today. Key active safety technologies include:

• Forward collision warnings with audible, visual, and tactile alerts
• Automatic forward emergency braking
• Lane-departure warnings to prevent lane changes without a turn signal
• Lane-keep assist with active steering adjustment
• Traffic-sign recognition with data display on the Driver Information Interface
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts incorporating a multi-angle rearview camera

Experience the Most Powerful Civic Type R Yet Produced

The high-performance drivability of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R offers an unmatched experience in the hatchback segment. It needs to be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated. To book your test drive, please click the button below.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications at any time without notice.