The 2023 hot-hatch model is said to be the most powerful Civic Type R ever from the Japanese manufacturer. In Vietnam, there have been 5 official Civic Type R cars on the road, one of which belongs to the player “Cuong Do La”.
Introduced at the Vietnam Motor Show 2022, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R unexpectedly came to the country just a few months later. Information about this world-famous racing car has reached the hands of two “car enthusiasts” Cuong Do La and Tuấn Combat, causing a shock to car enthusiasts in the country. So what makes this front-wheel-drive racing car so attractive? Let’s find out in the following article:
The first thing you notice when looking at the 2023 Honda Civic Type R: it is clearly less prominent and extravagant than the previous generation. The car is more similar to the 11th generation Civic. The car still retains the details that show that it is definitely a racing car, such as a large rear spoiler, three exhaust pipes located between the rear bumper, an additional air vent on the hood, an extremely large air intake area on the grille, and especially the red Honda logo that stands out.
Although it has a more subtle and elegant design, the truth is that the Honda Civic Type R 2023 is larger in size than the previous version, as the car was developed on a new chassis platform. The overall dimensions of the car have increased compared to before, with specific measurements of 4,595 x 1,890 x 1,405 mm; the wheelbase is also longer – 2,735 mm. The car is evaluated by experts as the “best Civic model ever”.
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R is equipped with 19-inch wheels – smaller than the standard 20-inch wheels on the previous generation; but they are wrapped in “wild beast” Michelin Pilot Sports 4S racing tires with larger tire surfaces than before (265/30 compared to 245/30), promising better road grip, acceleration and high-speed vehicle control.
Parallel to that, both the front and rear axles have been widened on both sides to accommodate an upgraded brake cooling system with larger dimensions to enhance the performance of the Civic Type R when racing. The eye-catching red brake caliper from Brembo, while the matte black alloy wheels are very sporty.
Interestingly, although all Honda Civic Type R cars are produced at the factory in Yorii – Saitama province – Japan before being distributed worldwide; the K20C1 engine block is produced at the company’s factory in Ohio, USA.
The 2023 Civic Type R still features a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine similar to the previous version. However, the exhaust gas path has been optimized by Japanese engineers to achieve a power output of 315 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 421 Nm – achieved within the range of 2,600 – 4,000 rpm.
In addition, Honda has expanded the rev range to open the active exhaust valve (or automatic on/off muffler), helping the K20C1 engine create a more vivid and exciting “symphony of sound”. The car is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission that has been adjusted to “handle” the increased power from the engine, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds and generate an acceleration force of 1.02 g.
The damper has been redesigned to be lighter in weight to perform smooth rev-matching. The cooling system has also been increased in size. The front suspension of the racing car has also been improved by Honda with double-wishbone front suspension, changing the steering angle to provide a sharper steering wheel experience than ever before.
In exchange for sharp handling, “extremely sticky” road grip, and high-speed acceleration ability; users will have to endure living with loud noise from the road into the cabin, a small fuel tank capacity, and a interior with only two colors of black and red – no other options.
Inside the car, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R has a more simplified interior cabin design compared to the previous generation. The entire cabin is covered in the main black color of leather and suede, highlighted by striking red stitching and sporty carbon fiber accents.
The front semi-bucket seats are extremely eye-catching, giving a solid and reliable feeling of hugging. While the most impressive detail is the round metal shift lever, which is both attractive and gives a “premium” feel when held.
Honda integrates a special control system on Civic Type R cars, which can record and save driving data, such as acceleration time, distance traveled, or completion performance of a race, and display all parameters on the central entertainment screen.
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R uses a high-resolution screen for the ODO meter behind the steering wheel and a 9-inch central entertainment screen. The car comes with full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity; optional Wi-Fi subscription service and wireless phone charging.
Of course, the car is also equipped with a full range of modern driving support features – part of the Honda Sensing system, including: forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist, intelligent adaptive cruise control.
“The appetite” of Honda Civic Type R is also very tolerable, at a level from 10.7L / 100km in urban areas and 8.4L / 100km on highways according to EPA standards. Although it is a true “racing car that can be driven on the street”; the Honda Civic Type R is very practical: it can be used for daily driving and can also satisfy the “need for speed” at any time when the car enthusiast is in high spirits.
Although for many people, a true racing car must be a two-door car; in reality, the Honda Civic Type R can both provide a racing car-like sensation and ensure the daily usability of the user – meaning it has extremely high practicality at a very affordable price!
Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)
Source: Car and Driver
