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.

They call it “Road Sailing,” and they’ve given it a makeover to match. The wheelbase stretched, the rear track widened, and the height lowered – it’s like they put this Civic on a fitness regimen. The result? Heads turning left and right as you cruise by in one of its six snazzy colors, including the intriguingly named “Coffee Cherry Red” and the space-age “Meteoroid Grey.”

The unit you see here that we had on test is Brilliant Sporty Blue.

But it’s not just about looks. The Civic RS feels like it’s itching to hit the track. With three drive modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – it’s ready to adapt to your mood. And let me tell you, it’s got that responsive edge no matter which mode you choose. You’ll feel like a maestro conducting the symphony of asphalt, whether you’re navigating the urban jungle or ruling the open highways.

Step inside, and you’re in for a treat. Honda’s ditched that fingerprint-magnet piano black for a cleaner finish. The sporty vibes continue with red stitching, honeycomb dash patterns, and switches that make you feel like a pilot. The seats are a marvel – leather with contrast suede inserts, they cradle you like a well-tailored suit. And the tech? A 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a booming Bose 12-speaker system, and even a sunroof to let in the sunshine.

Now, what’s under the bonnet? A feisty 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with CVT transmission, dishing out 131kW and 240Nm of torque. This car’s no slouch; it’s got a punchy response when you need to overtake on the highway. Fuel consumption? They say it’s 6.2L/100KM, but let’s be real – we didn’t quite manage that.

Here’s where the emotional rollercoaster gets tricky. That CVT transmission, designed for seamless changes and fuel efficiency, leaves you feeling a bit… stuck. It hesitates between 2nd and 3rd gear like it’s contemplating life’s mysteries. Thankfully, there are those flappy paddles for manual gear shifts, but even they suffer from the occasional lag.

In the end, it’s a tale of mixed feelings. The Civic RS is a stunning sedan that’s as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at. It’s comfortable, but there’s room for improvement, especially with the transmission. Yet, for enthusiasts, it’s that perfect middle child, bridging the gap between the standard Civic and the Type R.

So, what’s the price of admission? R699,900, complete with a 5-year/200,000 KM warranty and a 5-year/90,000 KM service plan. And let’s not forget, Hondas are renowned for their reliability. This Civic RS seems poised to carry that torch with style.

Words by Sammy | Images by Deuce Digital

There’s a reason the Civic is a perennial best-seller for Honda; nothing else in the automaker’s line-up quite epitomizes its combination of practicality, attainable refinement, and uncontroversial good looks. In the case of the 2020 Civic, a recent refresh sets it up to better fend off rivals like Toyota’s Corolla and Hyundai’s Elantra.

Let’s get you inside. The interior design of the Honda Civic is made up of high-quality materials and has that executive touch with a comforting ergonomic design. The overall design is uncluttered and makes great use of the space that’s available in the car. There is one hinderance though, I found that the placement of the USB port was located poorly and having one port was rather limiting, especially if you’re not alone in car and your mobile devices are running low.

Surprisingly, the new Civic has very low cabin noise due to its improved sound proofing and noise insulation on the doors – a much needed improvement. On the comfort front, the back seats have ample space suitable for a tall individual, better yet, three adults can fit comfortably in the rear.

The Honda Civic has some really good safety and tech features that also add to driver safety and convenience whilst driving in comfort. The seven inch-touch LCD display is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready. The media can also be controlled via the multi-function steering wheel. The Civic also has smart key that allows for an easier way to enter the vehicle. The most impressive being the walk away auto lock feature that works in hand with the smart key. Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive cruise control with low speed following, collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning are just some of the features that are available with the Honda Civic.

The exterior design of the 2020 Honda Civic Sport gives off a rather sportier feel, compared to the actual drive. Here’s what we mean; The lines are slightly exaggerated but that’s typical of modern Japanese design language. The boot spoiler is something that I had to get used to as it adds some sort of panache to the Civic. The coupé like design of the sloping roof line does add some sleekness to the vehicle. I enjoyed the detailing in the headlamps and rear lights which is something you really need to look at to appreciate.

The Honda Civic has a 1.5l turbo charged engine that pushes out 127kW and 220Nm of torque and has been paired with a CVT transmission. The CVT transmission works well in this model and really shows of its smoothness in city driving.

There’s a lot to be said for predictability when you’re buying a family car like the Civic: being able to hit the start button and know pretty much exactly what you’re going to get, day in and day out. That’s where Honda originally hung its hat with the Civic, and several generations later, this newest Civic carries the baton with a well deserved poise.

Good performance, lashings of practicality and cabin space, and more than ample active safety tech see Honda doubling-down on everything that has made the Civic a best-seller.

The recommended retail pricing for the Honda Civic 1.5T Sport starts at R527 690 which includes a five-year/200,000 km warranty, a five-year/90,000 km service plan, as well as three years of AA Roadside Assistance. Would you consider the Civic? Let us know in the comments below.