All-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R launched in Malaysia, check full details

KUALA LUMPUR: After much anticipation, Honda has finally launched the all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5 in Malaysia. Touted as the most powerful model in Type R's glorious 30-year history, the latest model is engineered from the ground up with a host of updates promising more horsepower and faster acceleration.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5 comes in a CBU form imported from the brand’s Yorii plant. It carries a hefty price tag, which reads RM 399,900 (on the road, without insurance).

Honda Malaysia currently offers only 19 units of the new Civic Type R, which will be allocated to lucky buyers through a ballot system. The automaker assures that more units of the hot hatch will be coming in 2024.  

Let’s get to know the 2023 Honda Civic Type R in detail -

Exterior 

The latest iteration of Honda’s hot hatchback features an aerodynamic design with a solid and sturdy racing car-like presence. It features a sporty functional front grille that lets air flow through special openings on the front fenders. The vehicle also has a more aggressive front bumper, a redesigned rear aluminium spoiler, and a new rear diffuser for better stability and speed. Other key exterior highlights include -

• LED Headlights
• 19-inch wheels
• Type R badges
• A red Honda logo on the front grille and tailgate
• Championship White exterior tone

Engine and performance

Powering the sixth-gen Civic Type R FL5 is a more powerful 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine that cranks out 319 PS of power and 420 Nm of torque. The power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox (no automatic option is available), allowing the hatch to run from a standstill to 100 kmph in 5.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 272 kmph. Four driving modes are also available for a thrilling driving experience, including Comfort, Sport, +R, and a new Individual model that is customizable. 

Interior 

The redesigned cockpit of the Civic Type R underpins the brand’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) concept and dons a red and black colour theme with red carpet flooring, an aluminium centre console, and red racing-inspired Type R sport seats wrapped in a new material offering enhanced comfort and increased support. 

The hatchback is also kitted with a 9-inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charger, and a serialised Type R plate positioned on the AC vent marking its ultimate exclusivity. Another unique feature of the new Type R is the Honda Log R application enabling the driver to achieve significant improvements in lap times in a closed-course setting. 

Safety 

As for safety, the vehicle gets 8 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a multi-angle reverse camera, and a Honda Sensing suite. The latter includes - Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keeping Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation System, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition System, Auto High Beam Headlights, Driver Attention Monitoring, Blind Spot Information System, and Cross Traffic Monitoring.

Upon introducing the new Civic Type R, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, “The Civic Type R embodies Honda’s core DNA which is the racing spirit while at the same time leveraging our deep roots to constantly exceed ourselves in everything that we do and create. The Civic Type R is not new in Malaysia as we introduced it back in 2007. There are currently more than 600 proud owners of the Civic Type R in the country. The all-new hot hatch that is launched today is engineered to deliver thrilling performance both on the road and on the racetrack. A powerful and stunning-looking hatch that is exclusive and sold in limited units, the All-New Civic Type R will surely have a place of prominence in the market.”

For more details on the new Honda Civic Type R, interested folks can contact Honda’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log onto www.honda.com.my.  

Also read: 2,200 units of new Honda WR-V delivered in one month