The Honda Civic Type R is an icon and so is the regular Civic. One for the surgeon in a hurry, and the other, for the family physician. The Civic Type R has been around for a few generations now - and is not your average Joe.

It's the most hardcore Honda ever made (barring the Acura NSX), and unlike the Honda supercar that needs you to be well-heeled, the hot hatch is more accessible to someone with a sorted investment plan. It's been a legend among all the hot hatches from different manufacturers so far - and for the right reasons.

The latest FL5 Honda Civic Type R was unveiled globally recently, and it's been getting more attention than Netflix. It succeeds the FK8 model which means it's got big shoes to fill because the FK8 was one of the best hot hatchbacks until production of the model was shelved sometime last year. Enthusiasts have already started to sit up and take notice, while buyers have started to pre-order the new Honda Civic Type R.

The Civic Type R has looked different every time it was new over the decades, and they've had their share of bouquets and brickbats. Whenever Honda introduced a new Type R, it got more aggressive to look at, sporting more air ducts and vents, and larger wings, conveying the message to the public, that this was no regular Civic. The new FL5 model has a cleaner look, and it's likely to appeal to those buying Volkswagen Golf Rs.

The large wing at the back hasn't gone anywhere; it looks like it belongs on a WTCR race car. It's wider than before, the wheels have gotten smaller by an inch, and it features vents for brake cooling. The side skirt fins are there to push air away from the rear wheels, which is said to enhance stability.

Related: These Are The 10 Fastest Honda Sports Cars Ever Made

2023 Honda Civic Type R Is Hot Property

2023 Honda Civic Type R
Via: Honda

The new Honda Civic Type R looks exotic enough to have a little boy swipe his mother's smartphone out of her purse, and click a photograph of it. The car is now lower, wider, and longer than its predecessor. There is muscle evident in certain areas, but it's a lot toned-down compared to the older Type Rs.

Details that scream advanced aerodynamics are all over the bodywork, and this has been done to ensure a reduction in drag and balanced downforce. The fenders are flared, and the lightweight wheels are wrapped in wider tires.

White 2023 Honda Civic Type R
Honda

The front bumper is not the same as the one on the standard Civic Hatch; it looks sportier and the honeycomb grille mesh is a hint of the honeycomb trim inside the cabin as well. The front fender grilles are huge, the stance is unquestionably that of a sporty Japanese car at a tuner car meet.

The wider rear doors are seen only on the Type R; the design of the rear spoiler is sleek, and a re-designed bumper houses the signature triple exhaust setup and a new rear diffuser. There are five erotic colors to choose from Historic Champion White, Rallye Red (slurp!), Boost Blue, Sonic Gray Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl.

2023 Honda Civic Type R Cockpit Has A Racecar Vibe

civic type r3
Via: Honda

It's an interior you're going to fall head-over-heels for; it somehow evokes passion and emotion in a way very few cars do, and the little details are all performance-focused. It gets iconic red seats, carpet, and trim, and on the dashboard, you'll find a serialized Type R plate for the 2023 model. The suede-like upholstery with a high friction coefficient is said to reduce body slippage when the G-forces get intense during driving.

The +R driving mode exclusive meter design is new, letting the driver get all the necessary information without any delay. There's a graphic engine rpm display, rev indicator lights, and a gear position indicator above. The multi-function display, found lower down, reflects vehicle information selected by the driver.

Real-time information on the mechanical movements of the car and its behavior, resulting from the driver's input is data that is provided by the Honda LogR data logger. Some other features include a stopwatch to record lap times, and the ability to share driving videos.

Related: These 10 Japanese Tuning Shops Build The Sickest Hondas

2023 Civic Type R Will Be "Grinning" Fast

2023 Honda Civic Type-R Engine
Honda

The lightweight yet highly rigid body enhances stability at high speeds and super-quick responses. The Civic Type R has been tested on the Nurburgring, and that says something. Honda wants its customers to experience the car, getting them addicted to it - and the improved suspension and steering performance can be given credit for that.

Honda's award-winning 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine is more powerful and responsive than before, and is paired solely to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Honda's tight-lipped about the specifications, but considering the outgoing Civic Type R makes 306hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, we expect a significant bump-up in power on the new model.

Honda Civic Type R Is Fast And Competitive

 2023 Honda Civic Type R
Via: Honda

We've heard the exhaust note of the Type R, and we were disappointed, but it isn't something an aftermarket cat-back exhaust won't sort out. With the norms for loud cars getting stringent, automakers are forced to turn down the volume of their exhaust systems, in the same way, Formula 1 has with all its cars.

The naturally-aspired engine may be driving into the sunset, but the addictive rush of torque from a turbo is the future. Expect the 2023 Honda Civic Type R to start from around $40,000, which will make it one hell of an affordable fast car with a soul! This cool civic will most likely launch by 2022-end or early 2023.

Source: Honda