Ask, and you shall receive. Sometimes, even a subtle hint in a car review can work wonders. After mentioning in a recent review of the Acura Integra Type S that a planned 2023 Honda Civic Type R review had been unfortunately cancelled, fate intervened. DriveShop, Honda’s Northern California fleet handlers, noticed, and soon enough, the much-anticipated 2023 Honda Civic Type R arrived for testing. The burning question: Does it truly live up to the hype as one of the best performance cars for the money? Let’s dive in.
Unleashing the Beast: Performance and Handling of the 2023 Type R
The heart of the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering a thrilling 315 horsepower. However, the Type R’s magic is more than just raw power. Honda has meticulously engineered a complete performance package. The short-throw six-speed manual transmission is a standout feature, widely regarded as one of the finest gearboxes available. This, combined with a limited-slip differential, ensures optimal power delivery to the front wheels, minimizing torque steer – a common concern in high-powered front-wheel-drive cars.
Further enhancing the driving dynamics are four-wheel disc brakes equipped with striking red Brembo front calipers, a sophisticated rear multi-link suspension, and adaptive dampers. The driver can fine-tune the car’s character with the four-mode adaptive drive system, offering Normal, Sport, Individual, and the track-focused +R mode. Each mode adjusts parameters to suit different driving scenarios, from comfortable daily commutes to exhilarating track days.
On the Road with the Type R: Driving Experience
The 2023 Type R delivers blistering acceleration, hitting 60 mph from a standstill in around 5 seconds. Out on winding roads, the car’s handling is nothing short of exceptional. It feels incredibly planted, inspiring confidence even on challenging surfaces. This surefootedness is thanks to the aerodynamic enhancements, including the prominent rear wing, and the high-performance 265/30 R 19 summer tires that provide tenacious grip. Despite its high-performance nature, the Civic Type R also manages a respectable EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy, making it surprisingly practical for daily use.
Practicality and Interior of the 2023 Civic Type R
Beyond its performance credentials, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R retains the everyday usability of the standard Civic. It offers genuinely usable rear seats with a generous 37.4 inches of legroom, a rarity in cars with this level of performance. Rear passengers also benefit from cupholders, adding to the practicality.
The interior of the Type R is distinctive and driver-focused, featuring a striking red and black color scheme that is exclusively available for this model. The cabin emphasizes driver engagement, with a traditional manual transmission setup in the center console. Honda’s decision to stick with a manual gearbox underscores the Type R’s commitment to providing a purist driving experience, maximizing driver involvement and satisfaction.
Feature-Packed and Tech-Savvy: 2023 Type R
The 2023 Civic Type R comes well-equipped as standard. It includes a comprehensive suite of active safety features, ensuring peace of mind on the road. For in-car entertainment, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system provides excellent sound quality, complemented by a 9-inch color touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, voice recognition, and a multi-view rear camera. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with wireless device charging and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, keep you connected and entertained. Convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate control, suede-effect sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and numerous other amenities expected in a modern vehicle.
Pricing and Value of the 2023/2024 Honda Civic Type R
The base price for the 2024 Honda Civic Type R starts at $45,890, including destination charges. Solid color options like Rallye Red and Crystal Black Pearl maintain this price point. Premium paint choices, including Sonic Gray Pearl, Boost Blue Pearl, and the Championship White of the test car, are available for an additional $455. With minimal options beyond paint, the as-tested price for the 2023 Honda Civic Type R is a competitive $46,345, representing exceptional value for the performance and features offered.
Civic Type R vs. Acura Integra Type S: A Sibling Rivalry?
Having now driven both the 2023 Honda Civic Type R and the Acura Integra Type S, some initial assumptions about their differences were confirmed, while others were revised. The price gap is significant, with the Integra Type S commanding a roughly $7,000 premium. While the Acura offers a more refined and mature driving experience, the Civic Type R doesn’t feel unrefined. It presents a more raw and visceral driving experience, perhaps a touch more aggressive, but still appealing to drivers of all ages. Honda has successfully created two distinct yet compelling performance cars based on a shared platform, offering buyers a meaningful choice depending on their preferences and budget.
Conclusion: The 2023 Honda Civic Type R’s Enduring Appeal
In conclusion, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R unequivocally lives up to its reputation. It’s a phenomenal sports car that delivers exhilarating performance, engaging handling, and surprising practicality at a competitive price point. Honda deserves high praise for offering two exceptional compact sports cars in the Civic Type R and Integra Type S, each catering to slightly different tastes and needs within the performance car market. For those seeking pure driving thrills in a hot hatchback package, the 2023 Type R remains a top contender and arguably, still the king.
