Honda Civic Type-R: The 2023 Performance Car of the Year

Introduction to Honda Civic Type-R

The Japanese marque Honda today is ubiquitous with a bristling lineup of utility vehicles such as MPVs and SUVs, fun-to-drive and practical sedans, and economical hatchbacks. However, auto-geeks associate the brand best with performance. In the yesteryears, we have seen coupes and convertibles that drove on the tar of history pages such as the S2000, NSX, and the CRX. However, the car that really shook the planet with its blisteringly quick acceleration and tight handling was the Civic Type-R. Over the two decades, it has defied the boundaries of performance, technology, and innovation, becoming the desire of all the ravenous hard-core driving fanatics.

Awards and Recognition

Being already crowned with a bevy of laurels, the Civic Type-R recently added a feather to its cap by winning the 2023 Performance Car of the Year Award by TopGear. The notchback stood straight and unfazed against some healthy competition now existing in the market such as:

• Hyundai Veloster N
• VW Golf R
• Renault Megane RS Trophy R

It is likely that the car’s tough chassis, reliable engine, fruitful electronics, and handling prowess clinched the win for Civic Type-R.

Journalist's Praise

A major reason it was chosen over its contemporaries is that it struck an emotional chord with the journalists. Chris Harris, BBC TopGear presenter, comments:

“I’m so happy that Honda has had the courage to make a new hot hatch; nobody seems to want to build them anymore. But I’ve been reminded just how well suited this type of car is to UK roads. I love the nods to its heritage; the red Alcantara, the little metal gear lever, it’s a car that makes me smile. It’s the right size; in a world where everything is excessive and overpowered, it just hits the spot. When I drove it at Dunsfold, I found myself behaving badly and that’s what really matters.”

Performance Specifications

The Civic Type-R is available with a single but the most powerful engine option it has ever got - a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC mill that unleashes a stonking 315 hp and 422 Nm of torque. It sprints from nought to a ton in a respectable 5.4 seconds, despite bearing a front-wheel drive configuration and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Driving Experience

To create an engaging driving experience, the car features:

• Suede-effect bucket seats
• Sporty Brembo brake calipers
• Functional exhaust that provides downforce for better traction
• Hood scoop for enhanced aerodynamics

Additionally, the chrome-tipped exhaust pipes add to the car’s aggression. The Civic Type-R gains a 20-percent weight advantage over a steel hatch by using an all-resin theme for the interior. While being dangerously fast, safety is not compromised, as it includes vehicle stability control, preventing the car from going haywire under intense work. The car’s LogR mode can train the driver to become skilled by showing real-time performance data through a dedicated tachometer.

Practicality and Versatility

Coming in a 4-door form, the Civic Type-R ticks practicality as it can be the car for grocery runs or school-home drops and transform into a beast on weekends, compensating the driver with thrills and grins for everyday grind.

Conclusion

Raj Johal, GM of the PR department at Honda Middle East office, commented:

“We are thrilled that Top Gear has awarded the Civic Type R Performance Car of the Year in the 2023 awards, following its double scoop at the 2022 Top Gear Awards - Hot Hatch and Car of the Year Award. The team at Honda has worked tirelessly to deliver a car that further evolves, matures, and refines technologies that have been developed over six generations. The result is that the latest generation is the fastest and most capable Civic Type R ever. To be awarded the top spot against tough competition proves that this car is truly living up to its expectations and after 25 years, is just as popular as ever.”