Honda Civic Type R

Honda Civic Type R FL5

2023-present

EnthusiastExcellent

2.0L K20C1 Turbo I4 (revised)315 hp3,118 lbsFWD6-speed manual

HPDE Overview

The FL5 is the FK8 refined. Honda smoothed out the styling, increased power to 315 hp, stiffened the chassis, and improved the adaptive dampers. The result is arguably the best front-wheel-drive track car ever made. The dual-axis front strut carries over, the helical LSD is improved, and the overall package is more mature and confidence-inspiring. On track, the FL5 feels like a proper race car that happens to have number plates. The chassis rigidity is noticeably improved over the FK8 — the car feels more of a piece through fast transitions. The revised dampers offer better body control without sacrificing compliance. The steering is slightly lighter but retains good precision and linearity. The 315 hp K20C1 revision has more low-end torque than the FK8, making the car quicker out of slow corners where the FK8 felt slightly lazy. The braking is extraordinary for a FWD car, and the car inspires a level of confidence in the braking zone that its competitors simply cannot match.

Strengths

Stiffer chassis than FK8 improves handling precision in fast transitions315 hp with improved low-end torque makes corner exits more decisiveRefined adaptive dampers provide better body control while maintaining complianceImproved helical LSD manages traction better than FK8More mature styling draws less attention than the FK8Still the best manual gearbox in any current production car

Weaknesses

Even more expensive than the FK8 — dealer markups exacerbate thisFWD understeer in slow corners persists despite the engineering brillianceNew enough that the aftermarket is still developingAdaptive dampers make coilover conversion more complexDifficult to find at MSRP — many sell above sticker

Why People Love It

The FL5 is the most refined and capable Type R ever made. Honda took everything the FK8 did right and improved it while fixing the styling controversy. The car is faster on track, more composed, and more livable as a daily driver. The 315 hp K20C1 pulls hard and sounds aggressive, the gearbox is mechanical perfection, and the chassis inspires a level of confidence that makes you push harder lap after lap.

Why People Hate It

It costs more than an FK8 did, and dealer markups can push the price past $55,000. At that money, you are uncomfortably close to a used Cayman or C7 Corvette. It is still FWD, and the laws of physics have not changed. The aftermarket is immature compared to the FK8. And if you crash it, you are damaging a car that you paid over MSRP for.

Best For

Modern FWD enthusiasts, Honda loyalists, drivers who want the ultimate daily-drivable track car, and anyone who appreciates engineering over brute force.

Not Ideal For

Budget buyers, RWD purists, or anyone who paid a $15,000 dealer markup and cannot stomach risking the car on track.