2023 Honda Civic Type-R review. Is this, the last solely petrol-powered Type-R, also the best?

The new 329bhp Honda Civic Type-R is set to be the last in a long line of petrol engined only Civic Type-R models, thanks to the latest EU CO2 emission regulations. In this video I find out if this FL8 version is a fitting send-off for this legendary hot-hatch.
This video was created with the support of:
Follow me on

[MrEMrC]

My dad worked with the people from Honda at Cowley, when they were working out how to put the Honda Legend together. The managers welcomed the workers everyday, and asked the team who were putting it together for their opinion on everything to do with the car. With that attitude, it is no surprise that they get it right.

[simonshearing]

Happy to see Harry's opinion on the FL5, makes me even more excited for Wednesday when mine arrives!

[archiepezek]

I always enjoy your car reviews Harry. I thank you for not spending 15 minutes of the video going through all of the menus and assorted features of the infotainment system like other car reviewers seem to need to do.

[dtaylor]

Genuine enthusiasm from Harry, a man who has some of the most desirable super cars ever made. The new Honda Type R must be very good!

[nateisright]

The interior design, materials, colours and fit are fantastic. The exterior design is mature and sober (save for the shopping cart handle and ridiculous triple exhaust outlets). A Honda in the same line as the original NSX. Well done.

[future]

I genuinely can't recall the last time Harry was so excited while driving a car. That alone is a testiment to how great this thing is.

[JHNT]

Type-R’s are such great cars. I have owned every model, EK9, EP3, FN2 and currently have the FK2. I couldn’t bring myself to get the FK8 even though it’s a great car. The FL5 looks amazing and am thinking I’ll be in one soon. Seeing Harry have so much fun in an R is great to see. He’s driven the best of the best so the FL5 must be good for him to be so happy to be driving one. 🙏🏽

[apolloandratti]

Great review Harry! I would like to see you revisit the S2000 as we close the pure internal combustion age for Honda. Subscribers: Please reply here if you are willing to let Harry drive your S2000 in the UK. Ideally the car would be mostly in stock form, preserving the original ethos of the car.

[frankphipps]

I've watched so many reviews and I truly believe yours is the best. Love the fly by shots to hear the sound and the little bursts you do. Awesome

[Donglethegreatone]

I have just taken delivery of my FL5, after owning two FK8 models. The sum of all the FL5 tweaks, although small, makes a noticeable difference. To say I am loving this iteration of the Type R is an understatement. Such an enjoyable car to drive. Admittedly, the small boy in me liked the crazy look of the FK8, but the adult in me assures me the more refined palette of design choices was the right move by Honda.

[danmayberry]

Love how Harry steps out of a Lotus, into a Honda, and remains objective.

[davidgrover]

Great video Harry - this car has so much better styling - fair play to Honda for listening to customer feedback! 👏👏👏👏

[ant]

Very nice! I've got the bog standard Mk11 Civic hybrid and it's brilliant. Great fun to drive and still surprises me with how much power is available pretty much immediately.

[dominicrusho]

Given how good the standard Civic is, it would be fantastic if Honda reintroduced the Type S as a warm variant at a more accessible price point

[BigBear--]

I seem to always have to correct some reviewers on the following. The front bumper side "fake vents" (as they call them), are actually a functional aspect of the aero setup. They are air kickouts, to maintain a laminal flow of air past the front wheel well, rather than sending a turbulent flow that gets sucked into the wheel well. Reason is because they have air rams in the front to pump cool air into the front brake setup, and a vent in the back of the wheel well to let that air out - it maintains a low pressure zone without letting high pressure buildup which leads to front end lift. If they didn't have these side air kickouts the air going around the front bumper would get sucked into the wheel well and interrupt that low pressure flow.

The other point is he claims the rear diffuser isn't functional. That's also incorrect, the bottom of the car is almost complet flatly sealed. In particular the engineers paid attention to the rear diffuser this time around and made it even more functional than the FK8. All the aero on this car is functional, none of it is just for show. That's another thing I love about this latest generation Type-R.

[MegaRetr]

Happy to see Harry's opinion on the FL5

[DoubleDeckerAnton]

If Harry's having fun, then its worth buying.

[UpTheAnte]

The styling is an improvement. How could it not be? But the black spoiler on the rear gives me vibes of the family car you sometimes see parked outside Halfords

[jamsxr]

Thanks Harry. The practically element helped get it passed the gatekeeper 😅 Can’t wait to get mine.

[anthonybrand]

Thanks for another honest review Harry. There really is a lot to like about this car, until you get to the price!