Performance specs and prices for the new UK-spec Honda Civic Type R FL5 have been announced. The 324bhp hot hatch will start from £46,995.Â
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Performance specs and prices for the new UK-spec Honda Civic Type R FL5 have been announced. The 324bhp hot hatch will start from £46,995.
It’s taken a while, but Honda has finally announced the new Civic Type R FL5 will start from £46,995 for UK buyers.
Thankfully, for that price, the UK spec Civic Type R develops the same as the JDM model. That means 324bhp and 310 lb.ft of torque sent to the front wheels. The US market will have to make do with 320hp from the K20C1 engine.
Honda Civic Type R FL5 performance figures
Alongside the pricing announcement, Honda has revealed the official performance figures for the upcoming Civic Type R FL5. 0-62mph comes in at 5.4 seconds, while it’ll go on to a top speed of 171mph. This is all thanks to a revised K20C1 engine that now pumps out 324bhp and 310lb.ft of torque.
For the FL5, Honda has focused on improving the old chassis, rather than replacing it entirely. But those details are extreme. There’s a longer wheelbase, a stiffer structure and wider tracks (25mm at the front, 19mm at the rear). The wheels are also smaller, down to 19s instead of the FK8’s 20s.
The exhaust flow rate is up 13 per cent. There are revised, lower suspension arms to improve camber rigidity by 16 percent. Rear body rigidity is up 15 per cent. An aluminium bonnet saves 43 per cent weight over the outgoing steel one. The flywheel is 18 per cent lighter, which reduces inertia by 25 per cent. The devil is in the detail, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.
However, all of this has meant the new Honda Civic Type R FL5 has grown. It’s now more inline with the size of a BMW M3. It measures 4.6 metres long and near-as-dammit 1.9m wide.
That being said, the fundamentals of hot hatch credibility are there. Front-wheel drive, manual gearbox and a thumping great engine up front. And, despite having cleaner lines, the FL5 Type R develops more downforce than the outgoing FK8, some 100kg at 124mph.
It’s expensive alright, but given the toned down looks, the new Honda Civic Type R FL5 should appeal to a broader audience. Potentially even bringing in a more mature buyer at the same time. Sadly, that does mean it’s some £10,000 more than the FK8 Civic Type R. Without driving it we can’t truly say whether that price jump is worth it or not.
It’s now on sale and the order books are open. Head over to the configurator to create yours!
Relevant content – Ultimate guide to every generation of Honda Civic Type R
Everything you need to know about the Honda Civic Type R FL5
While the FL5 Civic Type R will use the same K20C1 engine as seen in the FK8, the growth in torque over the last-gen car has partially come about thanks to a redesigned turbo, increased air intake flow rate, and a new, more efficient exhaust system.
Honda has confirmed a number of features, including improved cooling for track use, a new rev-matching system that aims to reward the driver further with the six-speed manual gearbox, and a lighter flywheel.
If it’s record-breaking lap around Suzuka is anything to go by, it should be pretty darn fast.
The usual array of driving modes return, but with a twist. Driver’s can now tailor their settings to their own driving style with a new Individual Mode, it joins Comfort, Sport, and R+ Mode. The different modes effect the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound.
Designed in Japan, the Civic Type R’s new body is 0.8-inches longer, 0.5-inches lower and 0.6-inches wider with broad fenders flared out over wider tracks, and lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in wider (+20mm) bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The new wheels use a special “reverse rim” design that improves the stability of the tyre contact patch under load.
Inside, there are also a few upgrades that are worth shouting home about. Honda says that in the new Civic Type R FL5, the driver sits lower than ever in iconic Recaro bucket seats. It also gets the largest touchscreen fitted to a Type R, with the latest infotainment software, as well as a new LogR datalogger that no longer requires a phone app.
“Type R is very important for Honda as the pinnacle of our factory performance and an irreplaceable brand that enables enthusiasts to experience Honda’s racing spirit, and seek the ultimate in speed and driving pleasure,” said Hideki Kakinuma, global Civic Type R development leader. “The all-new Civic Type R will continue that legacy, leveraging Honda’s racetrack-proven engineering to deliver extreme performance and passion—both on the road and on the racetrack.”
“With the all-new Civic Type R, Honda engineers have again delivered on our goal to create the most rewarding driving experience in the performance hatchback segment,” said Tom Gardner, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe. “Through exceptional advancements and the application of motorsport-derived technologies, we have exceeded the capabilities of even the stripped out, lightweight version of the previous model. It is this dedication to performance excellence that has made the Civic Type R so popular with driving purists for 25 years.”
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R FL5 will be available in five colours: historic Championship White, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl.
Check out our Honda Civic Type R guide to read all about its 25-year history.
We’ll update this page as and when we learn more.
