The FL5 Honda Civic Type R might look less aggressive and a little understated as compared to its predecessor, the FK8 Civic Type R. But don’t be fooled by its outer appearance as the FL5 Civic Type R is not just larger and more powerful than before, but is also the fastest front-wheel drive (FWD) car to lap the legendary Nurburgring circuit. Does this automatically make the FL5 Civic Type R the better car than its predecessor? Watch our review to find out!
Having made its launch in Malaysia in September last year, the 2023 FL5 Honda Civic Type R carries a price tag of RM399,900. Only 19 units of the hot hatch were made available via a ballot system.
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). It also has a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase than the standard version along with special Type R exclusive body panels, a Type R spoiler, and a set of black 19-inch wheels.
RELATED: 2023 Honda Civic Type R (FL5) launched in Malaysia – RM399,900, only 19 units
Thinking of converting your regular Civic to an FL5 Type R? Well, it’s not that easy this time around as the hot hatch sports Type R exclusive body panels and a special red-badged Honda.
The FL5 Honda Civic Type R has been enhanced under the hood over the FK8. Powering it is a K20C1 2.0-litre turbo inline-4 VTEC engine making 319 hp (metric) and 420 Nm. The mill is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, sending power to the front wheels only.
Moving inside the FL5 Civic Type R, you get goodies such as Type R bucket seats, Type R exclusive steering wheel, stainless steel sport pedals, and an aluminium shift knob. The hot hatch also comes with an aluminium emblem with serial number, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as a wireless phone charger, among other things.
RELATED: Honda Civic Type R FL5 sets new Nurburgring FWD record – 7:44.881
