How Good Is The New Honda Civic 2023 Hatchback?

In 2021, the Honda Civic sedan became no more. Deciding that the hatchback variant was more appealing to Australian drivers, Honda Australia focused its efforts on the Civic hatch and made some exciting new changes. For starters, the 2023 Honda Civic Hatch, like its 2022 predecessor, is available as a hybrid. Good for 135kW and 315Nm of torque, the hybrid offers both improved fuel economy and lively performance. The traditional Honda Civic VTi-LX petrol option still has plenty of appeal too, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine delivering 131kW and 240Nm. Honda has also packed the 2023 Civic Hatch with an impressive suite of tech and driver aids. But it's not these two cars we're talking about in this review. Instead, we're sampling the top-of-the-range Type R Honda Civic. Its sticker price of $72,600 before on road costs might be a big ask, but is it worth it?

Let's find out!

With its powerful and turbocharged 2.0-litre VTEC engine, this car packs a serious punch. Clocking in at an impressive 5.4 seconds for a 0-100km/h sprint, you'll feel the exhilarating rush of speed as you shift gears seamlessly with its 6-speed manual transmission. And that's not all - this hot hatch impresses even further with its incredible torque output of 420Nm between 2200 and 4000RPM. With 235kW of power available at 6500RPM, the Honda Civic Type R Hatch is built for speed. It's not all about performance though, with Honda claiming a respectable combined fuel consumption of 9.8L/100km. While that is not a class-leading figure, it is still respectable for a sports car.

The fundamental design of this five-door hatch is not only cleaner but also more sophisticated than its predecessor. The sporty front and redesigned bonnet, combined with the rear wing and diffuser, make for a sporty yet sleek overall appearance. But that's not all, the huge triple exhaust poking out from underneath the rear bumper back gives the Type R a menacing look. And let's not forget about the increased Honda Civic dimensions the Type R sports. The biggest Civic Type R yet, the 2023 model features a 35mm increase in wheelbase and 26mm and 30mm increases in front and rear track. 

Honda has made sure that the 2023 Civic Type R feels agile and composed on the road. With suspension designed to provide maximum stability and comfort, you'll find yourself enjoying every twist and turn of your journey. Thanks to its dual-axis front suspension, the Type R is able to minimise torque steer like never before. And now, with new lower arms that increase camber rigidity by 16 percent, you can be sure that you're getting the most out of your driving experience. But that's not all - the front axle geometry has also been revised to take advantage of the increased engine torque and the exceptional 265/30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The suspension setup of previous Type R incarnations has been overhauled and fine-tuned for optimal handling and driveability even on the most challenging roads.

The Type R exhibits exceptional agility in changing directions thanks to its impressive steering, excellent front-end grip, and skillfully balanced chassis - a rare trait among front-wheel-drive cars.

A true marvel of modern engineering, the Type R's safety tech is one of the car's standout features. With cutting-edge technologies like Adaptive Cruise Control, Agile Handling Assist System, Blind Spot Information System, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, drivers can feel confident and secure on the road. These advanced systems work together seamlessly to provide a driving experience like no other, one that's both thrilling and safe. 

The Type R Honda Civic interior is nothing short of impressive, especially with its roomier design and trademark bright red R-spec front seats that are both supportive and comfortable. But that's not all – this car also boasts leather-appointed seats for a touch of luxury, air vents for the rear seats, a split-fold rear seat, and a panoramic sunroof.

And let's talk about the Type R's premium sound system – sure to please even the most discerning audiophiles, the 12-speaker setup with subwoofer provides that extra boom for your beats. The 9-inch touchscreen display is also a nice touch, offering access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a fully connected car experience. Add wireless charging into the mix and you've got an interior that's as tech-savvy and comfortable as they come.

Power: 235kW

Torque: 420Nm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Combined Fuel Consumption: 9.8L/100km

Tires: 265/30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

Type R Honda Civic boot space: 410L

Type R Honda Civic colours: 4 (Championship White, Rally Red, Crystal Black, Sonic Grey)

This Honda Civic hatchback is sure to be one that both enthusiast and casual drivers will fall in love with. With its increased power, improved handling and suspension, and advanced safety features, this is a car that's sure to turn heads wherever you go. It also offers a good balance between performance and fuel economy – not to mention its luxurious and tech-savvy interior. The 2023 Civic Type R Hatch is a car that truly has it all!

While the $72,600 price tag might be too steep for some, the Type R's performance, safety, and comfort make it worth every penny.

So, if you're looking to get behind the wheel of this powerful and sophisticated vehicle, the first you'll want to do is make sure your budget is ready for the 2023 Honda Civic Type R. Using a car finance calculator is a great way to get an accurate idea of how much you'll need for this awesome car. If you do decide to go ahead and purchase one, take a look at the car finance options we have available at Driva. With our network of 30 lenders, you'll be able to find the best car loan deal that suits your needs. Plus, we've made it easy to apply – just fill out our online application form and we'll take it from there.

So, what are you waiting for? Get in the driver's seat and get ready to experience the thrill of the Honda Civic Type R!

Is A Honda Civic A Good car to buy?

Yes, the Honda Civic is a great car to buy. It has loads of safety features, a luxurious interior, and a powerful engine option in the Type R. Plus, you can also get more fuel efficient Honda Civic variants.

Why Civic is discontinued?

Honda chose to discontinue the Civic sedan in 2021 based on customer demand. That said, the Civic hatchback makes a great alternative and can still be found in Honda showrooms.

Is Honda Civic an expensive car?

With a starting price of $47,200 for the VTi-LX and up to $72,600 for the Type R, as opposed to the $28,130 Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic can be considered an expensive car. However, it's worth noting that with its powerful engine, luxurious interior features, and advanced safety systems, the Honda Civic is a great value-for-money vehicle.

Is Civic better than Accord?

The Honda Accord VTI-LX and VTI-LX Hybrid are significantly more expensive than the two base models of the Civic. Priced at $57,900 and $61,900 respectively, the Accord is a great option for those looking for more features and luxury. In terms of power, however, the Civic Type R offers far superior performance.

Overall, it depends on what you're looking for in a car – if you want a premium experience then the Accord may be the better option, whereas if you're after power and performance then the Civic might be the right choice.