While Honda has remained consistent with producing innovative, reliable, high-quality vehicles at value, they have also become champions in the Formula One racing sector. And while consumers were unable to do what their trophy-hoisting drivers did on tracks over the years, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R will certainly provide a similar exhilarating experience. Inside and out, this four-seated thrill ride perfectly embraces this automaker’s spirit for racing. At first look, their iconic Civic’s muscular frame set on a lower profile is welcomely unconservative, boasting a curvaceous body, larger grille, signature red “H” badge, 19-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, high-performance Brembo brakes, flared fenders, a centrally located triple exhaust, and the true suggestion of speed—a prominent rear wing.
Under the hood justifies Honda’s claim for this Type R being their most powerful production car available in the US. The engine flexes 315 horsepower and 310 lb.ft. of torque, thanks to a 2.0-liter direct injection, turbo-charged four-cylinder engine, coupled with a seamless six-speed manual transmission racing fanatics will certainly appreciate. The performance gets perfected by a differential front MacPherson strut suspension and a rear multi-link suspension, complemented by an adaptive damper system and electric power steering for precise handling. The four driving modes—Normal, Sport, Individual, and +R—further customize the driver’s demands. Honda evidently didn’t hold back on the interior. Stepping in, eyes will immediately catch the “suede-effect” sport seats with the iconic red enhancements.
The driver will appreciate the aluminum shift knob, 9-inch color touchscreen, multi-view rear camera, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, wireless phone charger, and Bluetooth capability, while everyone gets treated to the BOSE Premium Audio System and moonroof. Safety technology is also an obvious priority including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, and road departure mitigation to name a few mind-easing features. Priced at just under 44K, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R not only offers excellent value, but a truly invigorating bang for the buck. There are not many automobiles on the market geared towards racing enthusiasts who will still benefit from reliability, safety, and technology. This is one that impressively accomplishes all those feats.
Price: $43,750 MSRP
Gas economy: 22 city/28 highway
For more information, visit Honda.com.