The 2023 Honda Civic Type R (FL5)'s South East Asian journey voyage continues with its launch in the Philippines. Just 40 units were available – allocations are unsurprisingly wiped clean – despite the hefty price tag of PHP 3,888,000 (~RM 300k).
This price is a 17% increase over the FK8 Type R facelift's PHP 3.2 million (~RM 250k) price tag of 2021. It's also the second-ever Civic Type R to launch there, after the aforementioned FK8 model.
Specs of 2022 Honda Civic Type R
No longer built in Swindon, UK following the plant's closure, the FL5 Civic Type R is now made in Japan. It's the first time a Type R is produced there since the FD2 Type R.
Today's Type R is the most powerful one ever, driven by 320 PS and 420 Nm off its K20C 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Like its predecessors, its potent front-wheel drive (FWD) chops is backed by a 6-speed manual transmission.
Red engine cover; nothing spells power more than that
A limited slip differential (LSD), Brembo brakes, and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres around 19-inch wheels shall help with the rest of the performance resume.
Yet it's no all-race-and-no-fun car, with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity through its 9-inch infotainment display, complemented by a 12-speaker Bose setup.
It also comes with red-and-black perforated suede interior upholstery, signature metal gear knob, and a digital instrument screen that displays all kinds of racy data, from lap times to car condition.
Safety is handled by 8 airbags (including knee airbags for both driver and front passenger), as well as the full suite of Honda Sensing ADAS.
Closer to home, there's a good chance it'll come to Malaysia as we've been steadily getting Civic Type Rs since 2007's FD2R. Naturally it won't be cheap; a circa RM 350k starting price fits the ballpark.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
