Honda Civic Type R 2023: $72k Australian price confirmed for Golf R rival

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Australian pricing has been confirmed for Honda’s latest iteration of the Civic Type R, with the FL5 hot hatch set to cost $72,600 driveaway nationally. 

That puts the new Civic Type R at a very similar driveaway price to its biggest competitor, the all-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf R, that is currently priced around $72,000 driveaway. 

This means the Civic Type R has increased in price significantly. Before it bowed out, the previous FK8 generation hot hatch was priced from $54,990 before on-road costs in Australia.  

The new Type R will be powered by a more powerful 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine that now makes 235kW of power and 420Nm of torque. The Golf R, in comparison, makes identical power, but 20Nm less torque. 

The FL5 Civic Type R is expected to launch in Australia in early 2023 and will be built in Japan, rather than in the United Kingdom like its predecessors. 

What’s new for the Honda Civic Type R in 2023?

Honda has added several new features to the new ‘FL5’ Type R including wider 265/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tyres, an individual drive mode, a larger 10.2-inch instrument cluster and a revised exhaust system with an active valve for more theatrics. 

Inside, Honda has added more technologies to its cabin, including a 9.0-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay. A wireless phone charging pad and satellite navigation is also standard on the Civic Type R. 

Four colour choices will be available for the new Type R including championship white, rally red, crystal black and sonic grey. 

Honda has also installed the latest version of its LogR data logging system that allows drivers to monitor and record performance parameters through an in-vehicle app. 

How has Honda made the FL5 Type R more powerful?

Honda has redesigned the front end of its new Type R, adding a larger grille, bigger radiator and a larger diameter cooling fan to help the engine work better at higher temperatures. 

The turbocharger for the K20C1 four-cylinder engine has been redesigned, along with a revised intake system for optimal flow. 

Honda says it has also re-engineered the Civic Type R’s exhaust system that now features an active exhaust flap that opens at high rpms “to enhance the sound of the engine”. 

Honda Civic 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• VTi-LX: $47,200
• Type R: $72,600 (driveaway)