2023 Honda Civic Type R unveiled 21 | 07 | 2022

    HONDA HAS LIFTED the wraps from its new Civic Type R. Coinciding neatly with both the 25th anniversary of the Civic Type R and the Civic’s 50th birthday, the new model — due early 2023 — will almost certainly be Honda’s last-ever pure combustion hot hatchback. (Related: Honda Jazz e:HEV flagship)

    Continuing with front-whee drive, the new Type R will be powered by a further evolution of the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine found in the previous-generation Type R.

    The newcomer will also benefit from new turbocharger with a compact housing and a revised turbine blade. These will combine to deliver better airflow, and thus more power. However, Honda is remaining tightlipped on what the power increase will be. For reference, the most recent Type R develops 316bhp, covers 0-62mph in5.7 seconds and continues to a top speed of 169bhp.

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    Honda has also revised the manual six-speed gearbox, which ow features a new lever and an “optimised” gate pattern. We’re also expecting a mechanical limited-slip differential to be fitted as standard.

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    This latest Type R is based on Honda’s new 11th-generation Civic which features a much cleaner exterior design than the 10th-gen model. That though hasn’t stopped Honda designers from incorporating a sizeable rear wing, sitting on diecast aluminium mounts, into the new Type R.

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    Still at the rear, the 2023 model gets a new diffuser. Housed centrally within it is a triple-exit exhaust system. Look closely tough and this time you’ll spot the middle pipe is larger than the others, as opposed to smaller on the previous generation. Aero performance has also been optimised by integrating th diffuser into the Type R’s underfloor.

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    Running along both sides of the car are a pair of side skirts, each supported by vented front wheel arches. The front also incorporates a splitter and enlarged air intakes. The Type R rides on a set of 19-inch wheels — which is an inch smaller than the previous gen — all shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. Stopping power is enhanced by a beefed-up Brembo braking system with two-piece discs for improved pedal feel.

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    The driver will be able to alter the characteristics of the engine, steering, adaptive dampers and engine sound via four engine modes: Comfort, Sport, +R and Individual.

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    Inside the Type R’s cabin there’s the same minimalist feeling as found across the rest of the latest civic range. The interior though has been enhanced with the addition of suede-wrapped sports seats that sit the driver lower than in the last Civic Type R. There’s also a suede-rimmed steering wheel,  a Type R plaque on the dashboard and a whole lot of red stitching.

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    Available in Rallye Red, Sonic Grey Pearls, Crystal Black, Racing Blue and Championship White, expect the latest Civic Type R to start around £40,000 when it arrives here early next year.

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    Jim McGill

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