2023 Honda Civic Type R too expensive? Honda Malaysia just undercut all recon dealers by up to RM 100k

In case you missed the highlight of the motoring world this week, the all-new (FL5) Honda Civic Type R has been unleashed for the Malaysian market at a slightly gulp-inducing price of RM 399,900.

Of course, the price announcement was swiftly followed by complaints - from people who likely were never going to buy it anyway - that at nearly RM 400k, it is just too much for a Honda, regardless if it is the fastest FWD hot hatch on the planet.

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

But you know who else didn't like the official pricing, recon dealers who were selling unregistered units at not RM 10-, 20- or even RM 50k, but up to RM 120k more than Honda Malaysia's pricetag, which includes a warranty and service package.

As you can see, Honda Malaysia's selling price has prompted overnight price cuts of up to RM 190k to stay competitive.

However, to be critical of the argument, recon dealers still offer buyers a chance to own the FL5 Type R immediately. 

If you want to own an official unit, you'd have to be chosen (from a ballot system) as 1 out of just 19 lucky buyers for the 2023 batch of vehicles that come fully-imported (CBU) from Honda's Yorii plant in Japan.

Note that there is 2-year waiting list in Japan as well, and even Honda dealers in Japan have been asked to stop taking any more orders for the car. However, rest assured that more will come in due course.

Thus, despite the FL5 Type R now costing some RM 70k more than the previous FK8 Type R's introductory price tag, Honda cannot make them fast enough for a global audience that all want a taste of Honda's iconic model.

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

To recap, the FL5 Type R is powered by 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.

Power is sent to the front wheels through a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (with rev-matching) paired with a helical-type limited-slip differential (LSD) and augmented by four drive modes Comfort, Sport, +R, and a new Individual to adapt to driving conditions.

The FL5 is also the first Type R that offered 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).

Available solely in the iconic Championship White colour, the FL5 Type R is covered by a 5-year / unlimited mileage warranty but of course, track activities (or modifications) will void the warranty.