(Our Auto Expert) – In the motoring world, where the term ‘game-changer’ is as overused as the ‘check engine’ light in a 20-year-old beater, there’s a new contender that’s burning rubber on the tracks of innovation—and it’s none other than the 2023 Honda Civic Type R.
Starting at $44,890, this machine is gunning for glory with a price tag that undercuts its high-octane rivals, making it a steal for the thrills it offers. But it’s not just the price that’s turning heads. The Type R is roaring onto the scene with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s all muscle, no fat, delivering a robust 315 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque between a broad 2600 to 4000 rpm band.
Put your foot down, and the Civic Type R catapults from a standstill to 60 mph in a blistering 4.9 seconds, doing the quarter-mile dash in 13.5 seconds at 106 mph. With a skidpad performance that sticks like glue at 1.02 g’s, it’s a gravitational enigma. And let’s not forget the six-speed manual transmission—yes, you read that right, a manual in 2023—with an upgraded rev-match system that makes each shift as smooth as a jazz saxophonist on a Saturday night.
Honda engineers have been busy with their spanners and calculators, enhancing brake cooling and fitting a larger radiator to keep things chill under the hood, even when you’re running hot. The active exhaust valve that opens at higher rpm isn’t just mechanical wizardry; it’s an aural symphony tuned for enthusiasts.
Let’s talk numbers that matter daily—fuel economy. The EPA estimates that this hot hatch will return 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, which means fewer stops at the pump and more time hugging the tarmac.
In the design department, the 2023 Civic Type R opts for a more subdued but no less striking aesthetic, building on its hatchback heritage. It’s a statement on wheels with wider tracks, 19-inch alloys shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and an interior that’s a cockpit of coolness with red accents and faux carbon-fiber trim.
Now, tech aficionados, feast your digital eyes on the onboard datalogger paired with a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Check. Aluminum shift knob and shift light indicators? Absolutely.
Safety is not an afterthought, even if the crash-test dummies still need to turn. It’s expected to come loaded with standard driver-assistance technology—because what’s power without control?
The warranty package is just as comprehensive, with three years or 36,000 miles of general coverage and five years or 60,000 miles for the powertrain, sweetened with two years or 24,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
Birthed in Japan with a heart crafted in Ohio, the new CTR isn’t just on the 2023 10 Best cars list; it’s revving to become a legend in its own right.
Price-wise, it slides in under the radar of the Volkswagen Golf R and toys with the entry-level Toyota Supra, aiming to strike a perfect chord between power and affordability. With dual-purpose vehicle credentials and generous cargo space, this Honda is not just a weekend fling but a committed relationship.
This isn’t just another hatchback. It’s a Honda Civic Type R, poised to redefine performance for the everyday driver. Keep your eyes peeled—this one’s going to be a scorcher on the streets. And for those looking to dive into the specs with microscopic detail, third-party information might have the extra fodder you crave in various formats.
So, strap in and stay tuned as we take this beast for a spin because if there’s one thing that the 2023 Honda Civic Type R proves, the heart of racing can indeed beat in the chest of a hatchback.