New v Old Civic Type R: ULTIMATE Showdown!

The Honda Civic Type R is one of the most popular & recognisable hot hatches in the world! And following the release of the new FL5, we need to find out whether the latest generation is an improvement on the previous edition.

Well, let’s look at what’s changed. When it comes to the design, the FK8 had a reputation for being a bit outlandish, with a huge rear wing as well as an over-the-top front and rear end. In contrast, the FL5 has a much more simple, refined look. Sure it comes with a rear wing, but overall the car looks more sophisticated than before.

It’s a similar story on the inside, with a more simple & traditional interior to be found in the FL5. It also comes with super comfy sports seats, and the digital dials display is definitely an improvement on the old edition. However, we would say that the placement of some elements, such as the infotainment system, is definitely better in the FK8.

When it comes to performance, both cars come with the same 2-litre 4-cylinder engine. However, whereas the old edition produced 320hp and 400Nm, the new edition pumps out a slightly improved 329hp and 420Nm!

It all sounds like the FL5 is a slam-dunk success, right? Well, you have to keep in mind that it starts from an eye-watering £47,000 - £12,000 more than the FK8! So is it worth it? You’ll need to stick with Mat and see for yourself!

[carwow]

New vs old... Which is better? VOTE BELOW!

[MPH]

My dad was one of the quality engineers on the team that designed the seats in both cars (they are basically identical underneath the upholstery) and he is almost (i stress almost) solely responsible for the way they feel to sit in. He died in early 2020 so he isn't around to hear how much people love his work. So thanks Matt for the compliment. Also, if there are any engineers out there with a first edition iso 9000 standards book. Go look in the contributers section for a dude called Williams. Same dude.

Also fun fact: the seats in the type r are cheaper to make than the seats in the next model down.

[muhammadosama]

I love the previous generation design. Simply one of the best looking hatchbacks ever

[chandrahaschouhan]

People always start loving the old design once they see the new one

[gavinlewis]

I always liked the big spoilers and aggressive look, hot hatches are meant to look a bit out there, like you would see in the car mags in the 90's.

[TrevorDennis]

Compared to all the drag race videos you upload, this was a welcome change back to a proper car review, and I have to say, you are incredibly good at it. This is one of the best car reviews I have _ever_ seen!

[kissgergo]

I love the previous generation design. The fact that it's overdesigned and overly agressive and race-y just makes it feel like a true Type R to me.

Edit: I started a war with this comment, proceed with caution.

[_spideypunk_]

Mostly people love aggressive design, hence the old one is getting more love in the comments. But I prefer the more streamline design of the new one it looks more smooth like most modern cars.

[svgaming]

I like the older one idk, I've always liked the design of it, even have a hotwheels version in the same spec as in the vid

[chrissandford]

I have the FK8 in America and we have the cup holders in the backseat, weird they weren’t included in the Euro spec model. Also, Ive had the car for a coup of years and I still love this car. Boy racer… for sure… but I honestly like that it stands out from everything else. Currently working on replacing the fake CF trim with real CF. Both are great cars, but I can’t justify the price of the FL5.

[Thyx_]

This channel is never boring.
There are always new exciting videos.

[MosesRides]

In person, the older one looks so much better and aggressive.

[justin_dunn]

Never had an issue with the FK8 design, still think it looks great but that FL5 really does look like a step up. Exterior and interior. Would love to take either one on a twisty bit of road

[sledgedragon]

New one is a massive improvement. No overengineering or faking anything. Every vent is real and the body looks much more put together.
Unlike the old one, Honda really went all out with their engineers to REALLY make sure the new one was going to blow track records out of the water, which is why it's now #1 on the Nürburgring FWD times.

Overall, the new one is just the better car. Upgraded and practical parts and it's actually something I would buy over the other.

[bbichabatka]

the older one is definitely one of the bizarre designs ever.. simply loving it! Will be buying one this year

[jsjooste]

Top review Mat. Great to see how your opinions have become more nuanced and informative over the years. Agree with you here for sure. The price diff isn't justified.

[magnustan]

The perfect R for me would be the FL5 with a sprinkling of the FK8’s crazy styling. FL5 has the nicer cabin, better user interface, without sacrificing much user ability, but looks way too plain for my liking. By the way, I heard and read the FL5 will be built in smaller numbers, which explains the price.

[mtm]

As soon as Carwow uploads it makes my day .

[dave_mac]

After years of driving, fixing and racing cars, the only kind of car I drive is a Honda Civic. That says alot. I've been in so many cars, but Honda's, especially the Civic, are it for me. Great video.

[turbo]

I'm so glad the new one doesn't make my eyes bleed when I look at it.