Now in its 6th generation, Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) is bringing the Type R to our market for a second time. This is the 6th generation of the high-performance version of the 11th-generation Civic hatchback. Its front fascia is simpler and more grown up than the previous generation. The bumper is simpler, and more streamlined lacking the black trim and aggressive lines, but, it still bears the iconic red ‘H’ badge that’s crowning the wing grille.
Moving on to the side, the Civic Type R has black 19-inch aluminum wheels, further along the side, the Civic Type R has flared wheel arches with a small air vent behind the front wheel arches. The rear end is redesigned with sleek wrap-around taillights. Three centrally-positioned exhaust pipes are present to further heighten its appeal. Under its hood, the 2.0-liter DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine can produce 315 hp and 420 Nm of torque, making it the fastest and most powerful Civic Type R yet. The transmission is a 6-speed manual, giving the driver the purest driving experience on and off the track. To match this power, the front wheels are fitted with 350mm Brembo disc brakes, while the rear has 305mm solid disc ones. HCPI offers the Honda Civic Type R for 2023 in Championship White, Rallye Red, or Polished Metal Metallic color options.
Launch
Honda Philippines initially showcased the Honda Civic Type R at the 2017 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) and did not confirm the introduction of the model until July 11, 2017. On January 19, 2023, HCPI launched the 6th generation Type R alongside HCPI’s thanksgiving dinner. Allocations for the new model however are extremely limited.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
Designated as the FL5, the new Type R features an all-new chassis that is in line with the eleventh-generation Civic that comes in either a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback in other countries. Honda designated the model code FL5 for the new Civic Type R. Chassis codes aside, the front and rear suspension features fully independent units all around, but with one key difference that sets apart this high-performance model from regular consumer variants. The front suspension features Honda's highly engineered dual-axis strut front suspension that can only be found on the Type R. The rear features a multi-link suspension that has a higher spring rate than normal models in the lineup. An active damper system also works in tandem with the multiple driving modes on offer for the model. Honda has also outfitted this model with cross-drilled Brembo brakes for the front wheels. The vehicle rolls on a set of 19-inch alloy wheels that allow the driver for more steering feel and stiffness.
The engine in the Civic Type R is the K20C1 motor from the Honda stable. It's a DOHC turbocharged motor that produces 315 hp with 400 Nm of torque. The engine layout of the Type R is transversely-mounted and delivers power to the front wheels.
Chassis
Class
Sport compact car
Body Style
5-door liftback
Platform
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform
Honda Compact Global Platform
Powertrain
Engine
2.0 liter four-cylinders gasoline engine
Power Output
316 hp, 420 Nm torque
Transmission
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Technology Features
The cockpit of the Honda Civic Type R is redesigned to be more modern and simple. The infotainment system sits on the top of the dashboard, aside from entertainment functions, the screen is also equipped with Honda’s LogR data logger. The head unit is equipped with Honda’s LogR data system. The data logger allows drivers to view information about the car in real-time, it also informs the driver of his performance if ever they go on track.
The gauge cluster is all-digital and can showcase different information with regards to performance such as boost, and even a shift indicator to help wring out the turbocharged motor to its full potential.
Other technology features in the Type R include Dual Zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push start, rear parking sensors, a backup camera, brake hold, cruise control, and several drive modes to select that influence the driving characteristics for the ride and handling of the vehicle.
Exterior
The exterior of the Honda Civic Type R is much more mature and subtle in comparison to the previous model, you can still tell it apart from the normal Civic but its design is not as loud as before. The new Type R features a sleek, body-colored bumper with functional air vents that aid in cooling the engine. Compared to the standard Civic, the Type R sits lower and has a wider stance.
Brake ducts also can be found on the side of the bumper and help cool the large cross-drilled Brembo brakes. It features a widened stance made possible by the 19-inch wheels and wider front fenders that add some nice bulk to the model. Also included is the black front lip found in the front that matches the black side skirts of the Type R.
The side profile of the Civic Type R is different from its sedan counterpart, mainly because of its hatchback design. It does not feature a trunk, but it has a liftgate that follows the fastback shape that Honda wants for its vehicles. The rear is also filled with many bits of bodywork that are not just for show. The Civic gets a big spoiler at the back for more downforce but unlike before, the 6th generation uses shorter metal struts unlike the large vertical end plates on the old Type R . Below the wing are taillights that are unique to the Type R which connected in the middle forming an unobstructed beam. Underneath sits the tri-tip exhaust, which is surrounded by the rear diffuser, cues taken from the previous model.
Interior
The interior of the Type R is streamlined and modern. The red semi-bucket seats feature extra bolstering and support for when drivers feel the need to fling this vehicle hard into corners. The seatbelts also receive a splash of color which is also in red, and the color has been carried onto the floor mats, in order to keep with the theme. The wheel has the iconic red ‘H’ emblem identifying it as a Type R Civic, the wheel is thick, with red stitching on the inside to contrast the black leather upholstery. Like the previous generation, the shift knob is made of milled aluminum.
The seating is ample and is not that different from a normal Honda Civic. Space is adequate for 5 passengers, and cargo is also on the larger side, meaning no compromise is really made for practicality. Generous amounts of storage may also be found throughout the cabin, with the center console capable of housing a large volume of miscellaneous items.
Safety
Even as a high-performance car, the Civic Type R features a good array of safety systems to keep occupants safe in the event of a crash. Dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags can be found all throughout the cabin, while ABS and EBD keep the car braking effectively no matter how deep the pedal is pressed. To keep the car's wheels gripping, Honda has installed a vehicle stability assist (VSA) in the hatch which also serves as the car's traction control system. Not skimping out on practicality, the rear seats also feature ISOFIX anchors for child seats.
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The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is officially available in the Philippines priced at P3.88 million Philippine Pesos. The new Type R, otherwise known as the FL5, is Honda's greatest and most powerful Civic Type R yet. More mature-looking than the FK8, the FL5 marks the second time that Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) has introduced a high-performance model in the country. This is the 11th-generation Honda Civic Type R on this episode of Behind a Desk.
If you have doubted the Honda line, don’t. This car is aesthetically pleasing as it is to drive. Leaving this car completely stock would leave most car enthusiast to believe that that’s the way it should be. Every last detail down to the rearview mirror not getting the spoiler in the way has been identified. This is one amazing vehicle. If you were on the fence about buying one of these, don’t. I have driven an Evo 10 and this far exceeds anything that that car did for me. This is a wonder of a four-cylinder experience.
However, the dealership that I purchased this vehicle from does not show up so I will have to select another one. But I just want the public to know that I am thoroughly pleased with my purchase
If you have doubted the Honda line, don’t. This car is aesthetically pleasing as it is to drive. Leaving this car completely stock would leave most car enthusiast to believe that that’s the way it should be. Every last detail down to the rearview mirror not getting the spoiler in the way has been identified. This is one amazing vehicle. If you were on the fence about buying one of these, don’t. I have driven an Evo 10 and this far exceeds anything that that car did for me. This is a wonder of a four-cylinder experience.
However, the dealership that I purchased this vehicle from does not show up so I will have to select another one. But I just want the public to know that I am thoroughly pleased with my purchase
