What’s New in the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R

The new 2023 Honda Civic Type-R promises more power in an efficient package. Here's everything you need to know about the new hot hatch.

Keyword(s): Honda Civic Type-R

Honda has been cooking up something small and powerful for its 2023 lineup, and now we know what it is: the all new Honda Civic Type-R, the brand’s most powerful car in the US market.

To say Honda’s new supercar has been highly anticipated is an understatement. The new 2023 package comes with a sleek redesign that trims the excess fat without sacrificing all the features that made the old model so popular. And with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine packing nine more horsepower than its predecessor, this is a car that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

So what can we expect from Honda’s smallest car? Keep reading to learn about everything new in the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R.

IThe Honda Civic Type-R: What’s New

The Honda Civic Type-R promises to be a big improvement over the last iteration, and is sure to become one of the most popular new Hondas on the market.

For one thing, it should come as no surprise that Honda wants their newest hot hatch to pack the maximum amount of punch in the smallest package, only this time with even more power and braking ability. Honda’s new Type-R features a larger chassis, but with smaller and more maneuverable 19-inch wheels.

Among the serious upgrades is a new 2.0-liter, 315-horsepower turbocharged engine that represents a gain of nine horsepower over the previous version’s engine. The six-speed manual engine is also capable of realizing 310 pound-feet of torque, which isn’t bad at all.

The new Civic Type-R also has wider front and rear tracks, and employs redesigned braking rotors optimized for lower weight and better cooling. Best of all, the Type-R no longer requires a smartphone app for datalogging, as all that information can be found in the Civic’s touchscreen infotainment system.

The New Type-R’s Design

Speed and aerodynamics: that’s the theme behind the new Type-R’s design.

Everything is streamlined and maximized to this end in the new configuration. For one thing, gone are the faux bumper vents and giant scoop of the previous version. The new model has a smooth and functional bumper with small vents designed to vent hot air from the engine bay.

And though there’s still a sizable rear spoiler, it isn’t nearly as ostentatious as it was in the old model, with shorter metal stanchions and a more streamlined appearance. The upgrade still includes the triple exhaust arrangement and the old model’s rear diffuser. That’s something that should be appreciated by fans of the classic Honda Civic Type-R.

All in all, the new model exudes style and maturity, eschewing some of the more extravagant features of earlier versions.

Engine Specs and Performance

So what are we to say about the Type-R’s engine design and performance specs?

As we mentioned earlier, the upgraded model retains the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine of the old model. However, the engine has been reworked and coupled with a far more efficient exhaust system.

That means the engine has better power output, realizing 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. There are other improvements as well, including a larger radiator and better efficiency for the engine’s four-cylinder setup.

The use of a lighter flywheel, and a redesigned rev-match system, makes handling the Type-R’s manual transmission a smoother prospect. It’s still a front-drive only arrangement, but Honda’s novel dual-axis front suspension can handle the stresses of maneuvering like a champ.

Another notable upgrade is the Civic Type-R’s 19-inch wheels, which support the wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high performance tires. If there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s that the Type-R will impress with its handling and road performance.

New Honda Civic Type-R Manual Gearbox

The new version retains the manual transmission of its predecessor, which some might consider a drawback.

Certainly, those capable of handling a stick shift in the US are few and far between these days. Also, the manual transmission meant that the Civic Type-R could be outcompeted by, say, German sports cars with their all-wheel drive layout and automatic gearboxes.

But none of those cars are nearly as much fun to drive. Plus, Honda has redesigned the Type-R’s gearbox, with stronger shift linkages and a slightly improved H-pattern for more intuitive shifting. Honda has also upgraded the rev-match feature, for better balance when shifting down.

Interior Arrangement

So much for the exterior and performance specs. What about the interior setup?

For one thing, the interior of the new Type-R is much more minimalist and less ostentatious than the previous version. But it’s no less attractive, with faux carbon-fiber trim, sporty red accents, and comfortable front seats.

There’s also a new digital cluster, and above that a group of shift light indicators to help with smoother shifting. Keep in mind that the shift knob is made of aluminum, and while certainly attractive looking, you can sear your hand if the car’s left out in the summer heat.

As far as cargo and passenger space is concerned, the Type-R is identical to the regular Civic hatchback.

Connectivity and Entertainment

The Honda Civic Type-R features all the latest connectivity and infotainment systems you could want. That includes a 9-inch touchscreen mounted atop the dashboard for ease of use. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, as well as the subscription-based WiFi hotspot features and wireless phone charging.

Pricing

So far, there’s been no official statement from Honda about how much the 2023 Type-R will cost, and the car isn’t expected to be up for sale until later this year. Most estimates, however, suggest that the new Type-R will come in at a little under $40,000.

Check Out Our Lineup of New Hondas

The brand-new 2023 Honda Civic Type-R is a small car that packs a lot of punch.

With its powerful turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission, the Type-R will be a joy to drive. So what are you waiting for? At Gerald Jones Honda, we have the finest selection of new and used Hondas in the Augusta, GA area.

If you’re interested in the upcoming new Civic Type-R, or any of our other excellent Honda vehicles, go ahead and contact us today to speak with a representative or schedule a test drive.