Considering the auto industry can’t stop talking about its transition to all-electric vehicles, we’ve been pleasantly surprised with the introduction of new performance cars in recent years. These aren’t just high-priced exotics with limited production; they are relatively affordable sports cars that still maintain practicality while promising a lot of fun when the opportunity for some spirited driving arises.
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R, now in its fourth generation, made its debut this year. Enthusiasts of this segment are well aware of its impressive history. It was first introduced in 1997, taking the already popular Honda compact runabout and giving it a significant upgrade.

Priced at R979,900, it might seem expensive for a Civic, but it’s actually a great deal considering the 235 kW of power you get in this hot hatch. What’s particularly intriguing is the competition it faces. Toyota’s GR Corolla and VW’s Golf R are also vying for attention with their promise of big fun without the hefty price tag. The question is, can the new Civic Type R outshine its rivals?
Fans of the previous Civic Type R might find fault with the 2023 version for appearing more grown-up and less wild. Honda has added a custom body kit and other aerodynamic enhancements to the standard Civic hatchback, focusing on function rather than flashy design. There’s a hood vent and a larger front grille for cooling, while functional ductwork aids the brakes.

Additional flares and a sizable rear spoiler are added for improved downforce and aerodynamics. Even the 19-inch matte black alloy wheels serve a purpose, enhancing stability at high speeds.
Honda has valid reasons for its design decisions, but some might wish the new Civic Type R had a more aggressive and moody appearance.
The interior maintains a relatively subtle approach, building on Honda’s already excellent Civic cabin design. The most noticeable changes are the heavily bolstered seats covered in microsuede, providing support during spirited driving. The cabin offers only one colour scheme, predominantly featuring bright red upholstery.
Some red badging and other Type R trim pieces add a sporty touch to the mesh-effect dashboard. The Civic Type R also includes the Bose 12-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless phone charger is also available in the center console.

Overall, the interior feels sturdy and premium, with the exception of the plastic steering wheel buttons. Honda’s uniquely numbered serial number plate adds a nice touch. Despite its sporty focus, the Civic Type R remains practical, offering a 60/40 split rear bench to expand the boot from its standard size.
The highlight of the Civic Type R is its manual transmission, which is the only option. Honda has followed the same approach as the previous generation, and it’s hard to fault them for it. The 6-speed manual is simply fantastic, with a perfect balance between clutch weight and a smooth and precise gear throw.
The turbocharged 2.0-liter VTEC engine delivers 235kW and 420Nm, with the assistance of a limited-slip differential for better power distribution and sharper steering. The car features both Sport and +R modes, with the latter unleashing the Type R’s full potential.
What’s remarkable is the ease of driving this powerful Civic. The power delivery is consistent and smooth, and the throttle curve adjusts as you switch between drive modes. The Type R’s grip on the road is impressive, despite being a front-wheel-drive car. It’s well-tuned, providing confidence in the corners and making it easy to control any sideways movement.

While fast, supercars are enjoyable, more balanced and agile sports cars can offer a different kind of thrill. The Civic Type R prioritizes chassis, suspension setup, transmission, and tractability over excessive power. It rewards thoughtful driving and quickly becomes intuitive for drivers, offering a fun and engaging experience.
When it comes to braking, the Civic Type R comes with four-piston Brembo front brakes and 13.8-inch two-piece rotors as standard. They offer strong, linear stopping power without jerking or jolting.
Another notable aspect is how the Civic Type R is well-suited for daily driving. Features like standard automatic brake hold reduce the hassle of stop-and-go traffic. The rev-match system, while capable, doesn’t feel out of place during regular city driving.
In Comfort mode, the adaptive dampers take some of the harshness out of bumpy roads, making the ride more comfortable. The electric power steering adjusts based on the drive mode, offering a more relaxed driving experience when needed.
Enthusiast drivers who can’t afford high-end sports cars like Porsches or Toyota’s Supra have a wide range of exciting options to choose from in recent years. High-performance versions of popular hatchbacks and sedans, such as the GR Corolla, show that fun can be found in practical cars.
However, the reality is that limited production capacity, high demand, and dealership mark-ups have somewhat diminished the affordability of these “affordable fun” cars. It’s not a knock on the Civic Type R, Toyota, or any other car with limited availability right now, but it’s a frustrating reality in what should be an exciting year for car enthusiasts.
Despite the challenges of finding one at the right price, the new Honda Civic Type R is impressive enough to make the search worthwhile. It might appear less aggressive than some competitors and can be thirsty under hard driving, but its excellent engine, suspension, and gearbox demonstrate that you don’t need gimmicks to create an engaging driver’s car. Getting the fundamentals right is more than sufficient.
You might also like
More from Cars
2024 Range Rover Evoque Plug-in Hybrid Review
Never in a million years did I ever think I'd be the one to call Land Rover an odd brand. …
Omoda & Jaecoo Confirm 2025 South Africa Model Line-Up
Chery Group brands Omoda and Jaecoo, which have taken South Africa by storm ever since their market introduction in 2023, …
Jetour spurs South African expansion with Super Group partnership
Jetour, a Chinese product from Chery group has announced a major expansion milestone wtih Super Group just weeks following its …