Car Launches

2023 Honda Civic Type R (FL5) launched in Malaysia – RM399,900, only 19 units

Sep 27, 2023 11:23 am

Honda Malaysia has launched the 2023 Honda Civic Type R (FL5) in the country, and it fetches a price of RM399,900. Yes, the long-awaited Japanese hot hatch is finally here in Malaysia, going against the EV trend of the year. Only 19 units are available and they are sold via a ballot system. So you will need some luck to go along with the money you have to get the FL5 in Malaysia.

Based on the hatchback version of the Civic, the FL5 Civic Type R has a wider track (by 1 inch at the front and 0.75 inches at the rear) and a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase than the standard version. Together with its Type R-exclusive body panels, it is a special red-badged Honda which you can’t get by simply ‘converting’ a regular one. Here’s everything you need to know about the newly-arrived FL5…

Easily recognisable by its hatchback profile, the FL5 Civic Type R sports go faster bits like the special Type R spoiler, special Type R body panels, gloss black aero bits, red brake callipers, and 19-inch wheels. Compared to the FK8, things have been toned down, but there’s no hiding the enhanced performance of the FL5.

Standard exterior equipment on the 2023 Honda Civic Type R include:

Type R-exclusive rear spoiler
Gloss black rear diffuser
Gloss black side sills
LED Headlights
Triple exhaust system
19-inch wheels (19X9.5J)
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (265/30/R19 93Y)
Adaptive Damper System
Dual-axis MacPherson strut front suspension
Multi-link rear suspension
Stabilizer bars (front and rear)
4-piston front brake callipers
Smart entry with Walk Away Auto Lock

In the performance department, the FL5 has received comprehensive enhancements over the FK8. The turbocharger’s geometry has been optimised, allowing pressure to be generated at a broader range and more efficiently. As for the 6-speed manual transmission, Honda has enhanced it with a lighter flywheel, a revised rev match system, a high-rigidity lever, and an optimized shift gate pattern. A helical-type LSD is also present on the 2022 Honda Civic Type R (FL5). Its performance facts and figures are as such:

Engine: K20C1 2.0-litre turbo inline-4
Displacement: 1,996 cc
Bore and stroke (mm): 86.0 X 85.9
Compression ratio: 9.8:1
Boost: 1.73 bar
Valve train: 16-valve DOHC VTEC
Maximum Power Output: 319 hp (metric) @6,500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 420 Nm @2,600-4,000 rpm
Redline: 7,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

Inside, luxuries such as wireless phone charging, with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity. Honda’s LogR feature now no longer requires to be connected to a mobile phone. A new feature on the Type R is the ‘individual’ mode on top of the usual ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, and ‘R+’.

Standard interior equipment on the 2023 Honda Civic Type R include:

Type R bucket seats
Type R exclusive steering wheel
Stainless steel sport pedals
Aluminium shift knob
Polarized gun metal instrument panel
Aluminium emblem with serial number
Aluminium centre console panel
10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
9-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Type R Data Logger
Wireless phone charger

Safety is not compromised in the Honda Civic Type R as it comes with a comprehensive safety package. The Honda Sensing items equipped on the FL5 include: