The new Honda Civic Type R makes its debut completely uncovered

Coinciding with the celebration of the 25 years since the first Type R in history and the 50 years of the first generation of the Civic, Honda has just officially unveiled the high-performance version of its new Honda Civic, one of the most iconic compact cars in automotive history, which now arrives boasting of being the best Type R of all time.

Like its siblings and as it could not be otherwise, the new Honda Civic Type R 2023 has already set a new record, becoming the fastest front-wheel-drive compact to lap the Japanese Suzuka circuit, because in addition to featuring a new design optimised and more aerodynamic than that of its outgoing generation, it adds major improvements to its engine and chassis.

More streamlined

The new Civic Type R features a lower and wider silhouette than the previous model, as on the bodywork of the recently presented Honda Civic e:HEV, Honda it has incorporated wider wheel arches over the new 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels in matt black, which are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

The team responsible for developing the design of the new Type R worked with the clear mission of creating the “Ultimate Sports Design”, for which they have added a new, more aggressive front and rear bumper, a larger grille positioned closer to the ground, and a new bonnet that now incorporates an air intake to maximise airflow.

In addition to the above, the new Civic Type R features side spoilers located behind the front wheels, new side skirts and an aggressive diffuser that embraces the three exhaust outlets of the hot hatchback.

A highly crafted rear end

From the rear view, it is hard not to be astonished by the spectacular design of the new rear spoiler, which has been moved rearward to eliminate air resistance and features cast aluminium supports to position it lower but wider than on the previous model, generating even more downforce and giving it a truly brutal presence.

Among the body colours available, Honda has offered the iconic Championship White, Rallye Red, Racing Blue pearl, Crystal Black or, finally, Sonic Grey Pearl.

Maintaining its essence

Once inside, Honda has designed the cabin to convey the greatest sense of driving excitement, so it could not lack the emblematic red suede upholstery of the Type R, combined also with new sports seats that offer a lower and sportier driving position than before, minimising blind spots and dispensing with reflective elements.

Another element that could not be missing is its brushed aluminium knob for the manual gearbox, which together with the new honeycomb-shaped trim running across the entire dashboard, the new infotainment system screen, the digital instrument cluster and the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, complete the attractive cabin of this model.

As regards personalisation, the driver can easily change various engine, steering, suspension and engine sound parameters. They can also choose between the Comfort, Sport, +R and Individual modes.

Track-day details

As the icing on the cake, the new Type R also features the latest version of the Honda LogR app, which allows real-time measurements to be recorded, a stopwatch to log lap times, a 3D motion graph showing the maximum grip the tyres can deliver, or a scoring function to improve track technique.

For now, we will have to wait to learn the full details of the new Type R’s performance, although the brand has highlighted its revised new turbocharger, the new high-efficiency exhaust, the improved six-speed manual gearbox and a new Brembo braking system.

The first units of the new Honda Civic Type R 2023 will arrive in early 2023.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackHonda Civic3 versions · from 36,300 €