The saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But Honda, never one to rest on its laurels, has taken that adage as a challenge with the FL5 Type R. As spring finally graced the Colorado mountains, I seized the opportunity to put this new iteration through its paces on some wonderfully winding roads.
At its heart, the Type R, based on the eleventh-generation Honda Civic, represents an evolution of its predecessor. It boasts a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, all managed by a slick 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with summer performance tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, the level of grip is simply phenomenal. Every facet of Honda’s flagship hatchback has been refined, leading many reviewers to hail it as one of the best compact performance cars you can buy today.
Coming hot on the heels of its initial release, the 2024 model year sees only minor adjustments. Predictably, the price has seen a slight increase of $1,000 compared to 2023, now starting at $45,890.
Honda keeps customization options for the Type R fairly streamlined, offering a comprehensive package with fewer à la carte choices. Premium paint colors like Championship White, Sonic Gray Pearl, and the striking Boost Blue (my personal favorite, opinions welcome) are available for an additional $455. Upgraded 19-inch forged alloy wheels command a $3,164 premium over the standard matte-black alloys of the same size. Accessory packages can further inflate the price, potentially exceeding the $50,000 mark if you opt for the R Performance package, which includes the forged wheels and a more prominent rear wing.
Boost Blue 2024 Honda Civic Type R front view
Sonic Gray Pearl 2024 Honda Civic Type R side profile
Championship White 2024 Honda Civic Type R rear angle
Driving the 2024 Civic Type R: Pure Performance?
Let’s cut to the chase. If you’re in the market for a daily driver that doubles as a track-ready weapon, the Honda Civic Type R deserves your undivided attention. To borrow a phrase: Just do it.
The heart of the beast, the 320-hp K20C1 engine, is a rev-happy masterpiece, reaching peak horsepower at 6,500 RPM and delivering a robust 310 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 and 4,000 RPM. The joy of rowing through the gears is amplified by the perfectly weighted shifter and responsive throttle. LED lights above the instrument cluster provide visual cues for optimal shift points, enhancing the driving experience.
While on paper, the Type R’s 0-60 mph time of around 5.5 seconds might be slightly slower than all-wheel-drive rivals like the Toyota GR Corolla and Volkswagen Golf R, it comfortably outpaces the Hyundai Elantra N’s 6.4 seconds. The latest Type R’s lighter flywheel and flawless rev-matching system make it an absolute thrill when you want to unleash its performance.
Factor in the high-performance tire package, Brembo brakes, dual-axis front strut suspension, laser-precise steering, and a limited-slip differential that effectively tames torque steer under hard acceleration, and you have a performance package that’s hard to fault. My only minor critique is that the clutch pedal feels a tad too light, a characteristic shared with the Civic Si. However, this lighter clutch contributes to its user-friendliness, a welcome trait for enthusiasts given the absence of an automatic transmission option – it’s manual or nothing.
2024 Honda Civic Type R dashboard and steering wheel
Honda Civic Type R gear shifter and center console
2024 Honda Civic Type R red bucket seats interior
Honda Civic Type R Brembo brakes and wheel detail
Daily Driving the Hot Hatch: Comfort Compromised?
For those considering the 2024 Honda Civic Type R, its performance-per-dollar proposition is compelling. The vibrant red interior, from the carpets to the heavily bolstered seats, certainly makes a statement. However, the question arises: do those aggressive seats and high-performance tires translate to a punishing daily driving experience?
Surprisingly, the answer is no. Honda has masterfully tuned the Type R to retain a significant degree of everyday Civic usability. Despite the aggressively bolstered seats that appear confining, they offer a comfortable and supportive embrace once you settle in. The ride, while firm, is not jarring, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Technology and Practicality in the 2024 Civic Type R
Being a top-of-the-line model, the Civic Type R is generously equipped with technology. The digital gauge cluster is informative and customizable, and the 9.0-inch infotainment system is user-friendly, if not the most visually striking in its class. Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
Only a couple of factors detract slightly from the 2024 Honda Civic Type R’s daily driver credentials. While the manual transmission is surprisingly manageable even in traffic thanks to the light clutch, the summer tires do generate noticeable road noise at most speeds. The aluminum shift knob, while aesthetically pleasing, can become uncomfortably hot to the touch during warmer months.
Fuel economy, while not typically a priority for performance vehicles, is respectable for the 2024 Honda Civic Type R. The EPA rates it at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, making it the least fuel-efficient Civic in the lineup. However, mindful driving can yield slightly better figures. In mixed driving conditions, including spirited mountain road excursions, I achieved the EPA combined figure of 24 mpg. While acceptable, the small 12.4-gallon fuel tank limits the range to under 300 miles between fill-ups, which is a minor inconvenience.
2024 Honda Civic Type R rear seats legroom
Honda Civic Type R hatchback cargo space
2024 Honda Civic Type R interior dashboard passenger side
Livability and Practicality: The 2024 Civic Type R Delivers
Boasting 37.4 inches of rear legroom, the 2024 Honda Civic Type R comfortably accommodates four adults. Practicality is slightly reduced in the rear center seat and storage areas, with cupholders integrated into a small hump and the absence of a center headrest or seatbelt. However, the front cabin offers ample storage, including a decent center console, a reasonably sized glovebox, well-proportioned door pockets, and a small storage space beneath the climate controls.
The Civic Type R retains the impressive cargo capacity of the standard Civic hatchback, offering 24.5 cubic feet of space with the rear seats in place. This surpasses the Hyundai Elantra N sedan’s 14.2 cubic feet, the Toyota GR Corolla hatch’s 17.8 cubic feet, and even the Volkswagen Golf R’s 19.9 cubic feet. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats expands cargo space further.
Aside from the sporty styling cues and performance seats, the Type R’s interior largely mirrors other eleventh-generation Civics. The ergonomics are excellent, and wireless smartphone charging comes standard. The 2024 Civic models still utilize USB Type-A ports, which might be inconvenient for users with newer USB-C devices. Google integration into the infotainment system is an expected upgrade, possibly arriving with the next model year, aligning with updates seen in the 2025 Civic sedan.
2024 Honda Civic Type R rear view
Verdict: The 2024 Civic Type R Sets the Hot Hatch Benchmark
Compared to its predecessor, the latest generation Type R focuses on subtle refinements, resulting in a more mature and sophisticated hot hatch. It remains a formidable track machine, and its aggressive styling is sure to appeal to those seeking a more visually striking alternative to the Golf R. Standard safety tech, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, are part of the “Honda Sensing” suite, and crucially, can be easily disabled for track driving.
If your budget allows and you’re comfortable with a manual transmission, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the 2024 Honda Civic Type R firsthand. Encouragingly, dealer markups seem to be less prevalent now, and online searches indicate many examples available nationwide at MSRP. Honda provides a standard warranty of 3 years/36,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles for the powertrain. Complimentary maintenance for 2 years or 24,000 miles further sweetens the deal.
For those seeking a slightly more refined and luxurious performance hatchback, the Acura Integra Type S presents an alternative. Essentially, the Integra Type S offers a similar experience with a touch more power (320 hp) and a more premium image, albeit at a higher price point, starting at $52,995, approximately $7,000 more than the Civic Type R.
2024 Honda Civic Type R in Championship White front view
Sonic Gray Pearl 2024 Honda Civic Type R side profile
Honda Civic Type R Boost Blue on mountain road
