2023 Honda Civic Type R (FL5) launched in Malaysia - 319PS/420Nm, 6MT, yours for RM 399,900

It is the fastest, most powerful and sharpest Honda to ever have four doors, petrolheads one and all, feast your eyes on the 2023 Honda Civic Type R (FL5)! Now officially launched for the Malaysian market, priced at RM 399,900.

Following its global debut in July 2022, the FL5 Type R now replaces the FK8-generation Type R, first launched here at the tail end of 2017. The FL5 Type R is also the third of a quartet of models announced for launch in Malaysia by end-2023, following the launches of the City Facelift and all-new WR-V.

The first allocation for 2023 numbers 19 units, with more to come in due course. The 19 lucky buyers will be chosen through a ballot system, and not on a first come first serve basis. The FL5 comes fully-imported (CBU) from Honda's Yorii plant in Japan. 

Note that there is a 2-year waiting list in Japan as well, so Honda Malaysia has done well to secure this many units given the current supply shortage. 

Also read: Only 19 units for 2023, here's how Honda Malaysia picks who gets to buy the FL5 Honda Civic Type R

Drawing from over 25 years of Honda’s iconic Civic Type R models, the latest-generation FL5 Type R carries over much of its underpinnings from its predecessor but is claimed to deliver the most exhilarating driving experience of any Civic Type R to date.

Starting with the powertrain, under the hood lies an updated and refined version of Honda's longstanding (K20C) 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 319 PS and 420 Nm, up 9 PS but and 20 Nm from before.

The upgrade in power comes courtesy of a redesigned turbocharger, a 10 percent increase in intake air flow rate and a specially-designed high-flow exhaust system with a straight-through design and an active exhaust valve that increases exhaust flow by 13 percent.

The system also features a new twist on FL5's triple-exhaust outlets centred in the rear; the larger centre outlet is now a key factor in the sound of the exhaust note of the FL5.

Elsewhere, the engine has also received a larger radiator, cooling fan and upgraded engine internals such as low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons.

As before power is sent to the front wheels through a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission paired with a helical-type limited-slip differential (LSD) and automatic rev-matching system.

The FL5 features a lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system over the FK8 which is claimed to offer smoother and quicker rev-matched downshifts this time around.

Augmenting the car's character are four drive modes, one more than before - namely Comfort, Sport, +R, and a new Individual mode which allows the driver to customize engine response, steering assist, suspension damping, engine sound, rev-match speed, and the design of the gauge cluster.

Performance numbers now read 5.5 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint up to a top speed of 272 km/h, improved over the FK8's 5.8 second time, but the top speed remains the same. 

As for suspension, the FL5 features the same as before featuring a dual-axis strut front suspension setup and multi-link rear end with adaptive dampers, though the setup has been comprehensively retuned for better handling.

Aesthetically, the FL5 employs a much more grown-up and subdued compared to the in-your-face styling of the FK8.

Also Read: 2023 Honda Civic Type R bares its big wing and triple exhausts; debuts this summer

The FL5 crucially sports a more aggressive bumper with a large central intake duct and vertical air inlets that provide increased airflow for the upgraded cooling system. The honeycomb mesh on the front grille is also designed to allow more air in, which is then expelled through the new aluminium front hood.

All the fenders have been widened with the rear doors flowing into the wider arches for a seamless look. Along the flanks, there are reprofiled side skirts with an upswept garnish towards the rear wheels. At the rear, the bumper is also redesigned, featuring a customary and functional rear diffuser.

Also Read: Next-gen 2022 Honda Civic Type R could get CKD treatment in China

Addressing some of the complaints regarding the 20-inch wheels on the previous car, the new Type R gets a smaller 19-inch setup under its widened fenders but the contact patch is 20 mm wider with 265/30-profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubbers. Peeking out from behind the wheels are iconic red Brembos brake callipers that retain the two-piece rotors.

Completing the exterior is a large rear wing that curves with the lines of the new lightweight resin rear hatch and redesigned door handles to offer a sleeker look.

Also Read: Final tease before debut, here's the all-new 2022 Honda Civic Type R

As has been the case with all Type R models, red is a colour that is prominently used everywhere in the interior. The new sport seats are 7 percent lighter thanks to the redesigned internal frame and are claimed to offer better shoulder and lower thigh support.

The obligatory Type R logo is again embroidered on the headrest.

Also Read: Next-gen Honda Civic Type R teased ahead of 2022 launch, reveals cute easter egg

Taking centre stage on the dash is the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment screen that doubles up as the Honda LogR data logger.

Courtesy of the new Civic's dashboard architecture, Honda now places the FL5's serial number plaque there instead of the centre console near the shifter on the FK8.

The FL5 is also the first Type R that will be offered with the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS safety features - which comprises Forward Collision Warning with Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning with RDM, Auto High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control, LKA, and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN).

Other features included in the FL5 are a wireless charger, multi-angle reverse camera, eight airbags and front and rear parking sensors.

The new FL5 Type R will be solely offered in the iconic Championship White colour for Malaysian customers.

Like any other current Honda model on sale, the FL5 Type R will be offered with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5-time free labour service (up to 5-year/100k km) after-sales package.