2023 Honda Type R - FL5 availability
Discussion
Jader1973 said:
Having driven both I’d say the FK8 is properly bonkers, whereas the FL5 feels more “normal”.
It is still fantastic, but they’ve taken some of the edge off.
FK8 is bonkers in terms of looks, so if you want that look I guess the FL5 is normal in comparison.It is still fantastic, but they’ve taken some of the edge off.
To drive and own I’d disagree. Having owned both, the FL5 is utterly brilliant, apart from the width everything is a step up from FK8, some incremental others leaps and bounds.
VTECMatt said:
Jader1973 said:
Having driven both I’d say the FK8 is properly bonkers, whereas the FL5 feels more “normal”.
It is still fantastic, but they’ve taken some of the edge off.
FK8 is bonkers in terms of looks, so if you want that look I guess the FL5 is normal in comparison.It is still fantastic, but they’ve taken some of the edge off.
To drive and own I’d disagree. Having owned both, the FL5 is utterly brilliant, apart from the width everything is a step up from FK8, some incremental others leaps and bounds.
Dblue said:
VTECMatt said:
Jader1973 said:
Having driven both I’d say the FK8 is properly bonkers, whereas the FL5 feels more “normal”.
It is still fantastic, but they’ve taken some of the edge off.
FK8 is bonkers in terms of looks, so if you want that look I guess the FL5 is normal in comparison.It is still fantastic, but they’ve taken some of the edge off.
To drive and own I’d disagree. Having owned both, the FL5 is utterly brilliant, apart from the width everything is a step up from FK8, some incremental others leaps and bounds.
I’ve just sold my facelift fk8.. it really was a great car but the ///M claws me back….
Dblue said:
VTECMatt said:
Jader1973 said:
Having driven both I’d say the FK8 is properly bonkers, whereas the FL5 feels more “normal”.
It is still fantastic, but they’ve taken some of the edge off.
FK8 is bonkers in terms of looks, so if you want that look I guess the FL5 is normal in comparison.It is still fantastic, but they’ve taken some of the edge off.
To drive and own I’d disagree. Having owned both, the FL5 is utterly brilliant, apart from the width everything is a step up from FK8, some incremental others leaps and bounds.
1. Interior - In-line and better than a lot of premium marks, but a huge gulf on the previous model.
2. Brakes - FK8 were average at best, stock FL5 which is same as facelift is significantly better
3. Exit from corners, you can apply power at exit, FK8 had turbo lag and washed wide, FL5 holds its line. Turn in is marginally better. Mentioned from a friend who regularly drives with me, had no issues keeping up with FK8, but in FL5 pulled significant gap every corner.
4.Cooling (I had facelift grill), would run very hot on road, zapped power. On track (never took mine as knew would have issues) FK8 would last 3 or so laps then overheat. 3 back to back laps at Nurburgring no issues. That said Dream car did, but I have my suspicions on this,
5. AC is better than my Tesla, which is very good and instant. FK8 was useless, suspect partly due to heat soak into cabin which is awful in FK8. Lake Garda earlier this month outside temperature 45c, cooled surprisingly quickly.
6. Wheels on FK8 are too large, replaced four in five years, first front tyres lasted 3k. Current tyres on 5k, got another 5k in them I suspect.
I have said FL5 is not 15k better than FK8 in cash. This was the difference between what I paid, people seem to bound around 20k.
How ever given other car prices have risen equally as much retrospectively, Fiesta being one of them percentage wise it is great value.
I don’t see what edge it has taken off, other than looks which if you like that sort of thing I agree FL5 does not match. Road presence wise FL5 looks great from the back ina way akin to a V6 Clio albeit not quite as ballsy.
Evening All - followed this thread with interest before picking up my FL5 last weekend. Currently breaking it in and was interested to know if people had replaced the oil post run in or if the consensus is to just follow the service schedule? My first Honda having come from a GRY so feeling my way.
Also any recommendations for reliable and reputable dealers in Yorkshire / NW for when servicing does come around?
Thanks in advance.
Also any recommendations for reliable and reputable dealers in Yorkshire / NW for when servicing does come around?
Thanks in advance.
I'm nearly 8000 miles in on my FL5 and loving it as per other posters. The aircon is very good - it seems to automatically switch in and out the re-circulate to maximise the effect.
The biggest (and only) niggles remain the miniscule fuel tank so you're typically filling up every 250 miles , and the pathetic horn that would be embarrassing on a mobility scooter!
I can probably get the latter sorted and have learnt to live with the first!
The biggest (and only) niggles remain the miniscule fuel tank so you're typically filling up every 250 miles , and the pathetic horn that would be embarrassing on a mobility scooter!
I can probably get the latter sorted and have learnt to live with the first!
Agree with both of those negatives!
Otherwise, what a wonderful car. Every time I drive it, it just feels special. Overtaking ability is magical, and it gives you so much confidence in the bends. Surprisingly practical too - took lots of camping gear down to Dorset over the weekend, and all the driving assistance aids (adaptive cruise, and lane keeping) meant that the tedious motorway parts of the journey were far less of a hassle.
Otherwise, what a wonderful car. Every time I drive it, it just feels special. Overtaking ability is magical, and it gives you so much confidence in the bends. Surprisingly practical too - took lots of camping gear down to Dorset over the weekend, and all the driving assistance aids (adaptive cruise, and lane keeping) meant that the tedious motorway parts of the journey were far less of a hassle.
VTECMatt said:
Pre facelift as above, mentioned reasons on my owners car thread and on here and Fb pages. Just off the top of my head. I have always felt I am objective and absolutely loved my FK8.
1. Interior - In-line and better than a lot of premium marks, but a huge gulf on the previous model.
2. Brakes - FK8 were average at best, stock FL5 which is same as facelift is significantly better
3. Exit from corners, you can apply power at exit, FK8 had turbo lag and washed wide, FL5 holds its line. Turn in is marginally better. Mentioned from a friend who regularly drives with me, had no issues keeping up with FK8, but in FL5 pulled significant gap every corner.
4.Cooling (I had facelift grill), would run very hot on road, zapped power. On track (never took mine as knew would have issues) FK8 would last 3 or so laps then overheat. 3 back to back laps at Nurburgring no issues. That said Dream car did, but I have my suspicions on this,
5. AC is better than my Tesla, which is very good and instant. FK8 was useless, suspect partly due to heat soak into cabin which is awful in FK8. Lake Garda earlier this month outside temperature 45c, cooled surprisingly quickly.
6. Wheels on FK8 are too large, replaced four in five years, first front tyres lasted 3k. Current tyres on 5k, got another 5k in them I suspect.
I have said FL5 is not 15k better than FK8 in cash. This was the difference between what I paid, people seem to bound around 20k.
How ever given other car prices have risen equally as much retrospectively, Fiesta being one of them percentage wise it is great value.
I don’t see what edge it has taken off, other than looks which if you like that sort of thing I agree FL5 does not match. Road presence wise FL5 looks great from the back ina way akin to a V6 Clio albeit not quite as ballsy.
I must admit to never noticing the AC being bad in either of my FK8s. The facelift is better , marginally , than the earlier car in braking, gearchange, damping, steering wheel (alcantara) cooling (Front grill and larger bonnet intake) and infotainment (More actual buttons). Agree wheels are a liability but they look good , I would love an individual setting for modes and a bigger fuel tank.1. Interior - In-line and better than a lot of premium marks, but a huge gulf on the previous model.
2. Brakes - FK8 were average at best, stock FL5 which is same as facelift is significantly better
3. Exit from corners, you can apply power at exit, FK8 had turbo lag and washed wide, FL5 holds its line. Turn in is marginally better. Mentioned from a friend who regularly drives with me, had no issues keeping up with FK8, but in FL5 pulled significant gap every corner.
4.Cooling (I had facelift grill), would run very hot on road, zapped power. On track (never took mine as knew would have issues) FK8 would last 3 or so laps then overheat. 3 back to back laps at Nurburgring no issues. That said Dream car did, but I have my suspicions on this,
5. AC is better than my Tesla, which is very good and instant. FK8 was useless, suspect partly due to heat soak into cabin which is awful in FK8. Lake Garda earlier this month outside temperature 45c, cooled surprisingly quickly.
6. Wheels on FK8 are too large, replaced four in five years, first front tyres lasted 3k. Current tyres on 5k, got another 5k in them I suspect.
I have said FL5 is not 15k better than FK8 in cash. This was the difference between what I paid, people seem to bound around 20k.
How ever given other car prices have risen equally as much retrospectively, Fiesta being one of them percentage wise it is great value.
I don’t see what edge it has taken off, other than looks which if you like that sort of thing I agree FL5 does not match. Road presence wise FL5 looks great from the back ina way akin to a V6 Clio albeit not quite as ballsy.
If you ran Conti SC6s then you got the normal wear rates for them, the new SC7s are much better and a match for the Michelins PS4S for wear (As fitted to the FL5)
BUT the trade in for a 20k mile mint FK8 facelift is £30k ish, so the cost to change is £20k. Its a chunk of cash for a pretty similar vehicle.
timwatsham said:
Agree with both of those negatives!
Otherwise, what a wonderful car. Every time I drive it, it just feels special. Overtaking ability is magical, and it gives you so much confidence in the bends. Surprisingly practical too - took lots of camping gear down to Dorset over the weekend, and all the driving assistance aids (adaptive cruise, and lane keeping) meant that the tedious motorway parts of the journey were far less of a hassle.
Agreed 100%, it pretty much is the perfect car , motorways are a pleasure as you say , 6th gear is effectively an auto on motorway with the adaptive cruise. Then away from the motorway it is a pleasure to drive fast or slow , wet road or dry road , you just feel connected to the road, and those seats !Otherwise, what a wonderful car. Every time I drive it, it just feels special. Overtaking ability is magical, and it gives you so much confidence in the bends. Surprisingly practical too - took lots of camping gear down to Dorset over the weekend, and all the driving assistance aids (adaptive cruise, and lane keeping) meant that the tedious motorway parts of the journey were far less of a hassle.
By the way I'm not sure if you or anyone else on here has done the youtube fuse trick to keep the exhaust valve open all the time? I have and can definitely recommend it , it makes the car sound better on start up and when you accelerate from below 3000 in a high gear. It's also a few db louder for the noise tests on trackdays (normally the valve stays shut below 3500 and there is a rev limiter at 3500!) , but still well below any limits.
Edited by v8rmd on Wednesday 30th August 00:21
First extended drive of an FL5 today back to back with my car.
Glorious sunny day on familiar roads and an understanding sales person -
And having reflected on the experience I'm still undecided about jumping just yet.
Thoughts were ;
Its a handsome if a little safe bit of styling
Interior is a triumph, lovely design touches, quality materials and fine graphics. I found the raised screen a bit better than the lower FK8 one.
Seat is slightly less comfortable for me at any rate than the FK8
Someone suggested a/c was better but it seemed exactly the same as my car when dealing with 26 deg heat
All control weights and positions are perfect, lovely fresh alcantara on the wheel - but that wont last, it never does on a DD
Instrument graphics better of course.
Engine didn't feel any more eager than my car but that's down to the mileage difference I think
Internally at least it sounds a bit better.
Gear shift is superb but no better than my FK8, braking great but so is an FK8
Individual mode is a boon BUT mainly because IMHO the ride is only acceptable in comfort, Sport is bouncy on UK roads , even smooth ones and +R uncompromising - like the FK2 used to be.
I honestly think the ride options on FK8 are better. Sport on my car is a fine compromise , comfort is genuinely comfortable (even if steering/engine etc are too soft. And +R sharp as a razor on a track or smooth surface.
Based on today I don't think "my" FL5 would spend a lot of time out of Individual with suspension in comfort.
Need to have more time to find out if there's much in it at pace on a twisty B road but both cars are pretty brilliant I suspect. The FK8 reveals almost staggering composure as the speed rises and the road asks more, I'm sure the FL5 has that in its locker too.
All in all though , mildly disappointed if I'm honest.
At a cost to change of over a fair bit over £20k it makes no sense rationally right now. Even if it is fairly priced against its rivals its miles more expensive than its predecessor.
But no doubt I'll come up with some man maths sooner rather than later and get one.
Glorious sunny day on familiar roads and an understanding sales person -
And having reflected on the experience I'm still undecided about jumping just yet.
Thoughts were ;
Its a handsome if a little safe bit of styling
Interior is a triumph, lovely design touches, quality materials and fine graphics. I found the raised screen a bit better than the lower FK8 one.
Seat is slightly less comfortable for me at any rate than the FK8
Someone suggested a/c was better but it seemed exactly the same as my car when dealing with 26 deg heat
All control weights and positions are perfect, lovely fresh alcantara on the wheel - but that wont last, it never does on a DD
Instrument graphics better of course.
Engine didn't feel any more eager than my car but that's down to the mileage difference I think
Internally at least it sounds a bit better.
Gear shift is superb but no better than my FK8, braking great but so is an FK8
Individual mode is a boon BUT mainly because IMHO the ride is only acceptable in comfort, Sport is bouncy on UK roads , even smooth ones and +R uncompromising - like the FK2 used to be.
I honestly think the ride options on FK8 are better. Sport on my car is a fine compromise , comfort is genuinely comfortable (even if steering/engine etc are too soft. And +R sharp as a razor on a track or smooth surface.
Based on today I don't think "my" FL5 would spend a lot of time out of Individual with suspension in comfort.
Need to have more time to find out if there's much in it at pace on a twisty B road but both cars are pretty brilliant I suspect. The FK8 reveals almost staggering composure as the speed rises and the road asks more, I'm sure the FL5 has that in its locker too.
All in all though , mildly disappointed if I'm honest.
At a cost to change of over a fair bit over £20k it makes no sense rationally right now. Even if it is fairly priced against its rivals its miles more expensive than its predecessor.
But no doubt I'll come up with some man maths sooner rather than later and get one.
Dblue said:
First extended drive of an FL5 today back to back with my car.
Glorious sunny day on familiar roads and an understanding sales person -
And having reflected on the experience I'm still undecided about jumping just yet.
Thoughts were ;
Its a handsome if a little safe bit of styling
Interior is a triumph, lovely design touches, quality materials and fine graphics. I found the raised screen a bit better than the lower FK8 one.
Seat is slightly less comfortable for me at any rate than the FK8
Someone suggested a/c was better but it seemed exactly the same as my car when dealing with 26 deg heat
All control weights and positions are perfect, lovely fresh alcantara on the wheel - but that wont last, it never does on a DD
Instrument graphics better of course.
Engine didn't feel any more eager than my car but that's down to the mileage difference I think
Internally at least it sounds a bit better.
Gear shift is superb but no better than my FK8, braking great but so is an FK8
Individual mode is a boon BUT mainly because IMHO the ride is only acceptable in comfort, Sport is bouncy on UK roads , even smooth ones and +R uncompromising - like the FK2 used to be.
I honestly think the ride options on FK8 are better. Sport on my car is a fine compromise , comfort is genuinely comfortable (even if steering/engine etc are too soft. And +R sharp as a razor on a track or smooth surface.
Based on today I don't think "my" FL5 would spend a lot of time out of Individual with suspension in comfort.
Need to have more time to find out if there's much in it at pace on a twisty B road but both cars are pretty brilliant I suspect. The FK8 reveals almost staggering composure as the speed rises and the road asks more, I'm sure the FL5 has that in its locker too.
All in all though , mildly disappointed if I'm honest.
At a cost to change of over a fair bit over £20k it makes no sense rationally right now. Even if it is fairly priced against its rivals its miles more expensive than its predecessor.
But no doubt I'll come up with some man maths sooner rather than later and get one.
Good insightGlorious sunny day on familiar roads and an understanding sales person -
And having reflected on the experience I'm still undecided about jumping just yet.
Thoughts were ;
Its a handsome if a little safe bit of styling
Interior is a triumph, lovely design touches, quality materials and fine graphics. I found the raised screen a bit better than the lower FK8 one.
Seat is slightly less comfortable for me at any rate than the FK8
Someone suggested a/c was better but it seemed exactly the same as my car when dealing with 26 deg heat
All control weights and positions are perfect, lovely fresh alcantara on the wheel - but that wont last, it never does on a DD
Instrument graphics better of course.
Engine didn't feel any more eager than my car but that's down to the mileage difference I think
Internally at least it sounds a bit better.
Gear shift is superb but no better than my FK8, braking great but so is an FK8
Individual mode is a boon BUT mainly because IMHO the ride is only acceptable in comfort, Sport is bouncy on UK roads , even smooth ones and +R uncompromising - like the FK2 used to be.
I honestly think the ride options on FK8 are better. Sport on my car is a fine compromise , comfort is genuinely comfortable (even if steering/engine etc are too soft. And +R sharp as a razor on a track or smooth surface.
Based on today I don't think "my" FL5 would spend a lot of time out of Individual with suspension in comfort.
Need to have more time to find out if there's much in it at pace on a twisty B road but both cars are pretty brilliant I suspect. The FK8 reveals almost staggering composure as the speed rises and the road asks more, I'm sure the FL5 has that in its locker too.
All in all though , mildly disappointed if I'm honest.
At a cost to change of over a fair bit over £20k it makes no sense rationally right now. Even if it is fairly priced against its rivals its miles more expensive than its predecessor.
But no doubt I'll come up with some man maths sooner rather than later and get one.
Could I ask who the dealer is?
I’m keen to get one and it’s not to replace anything so the £ is what it is
I need to get a decent test drive sorted but haven’t found a willing dealer - even the ones with a few miles on only offering a very short drive
RichDS said:
Good insight
Could I ask who the dealer is?
I’m keen to get one and it’s not to replace anything so the £ is what it is
I need to get a decent test drive sorted but haven’t found a willing dealer - even the ones with a few miles on only offering a very short drive
I tried the car at Johnsons Honda in Milton Keynes. Had it for a good 45 mins. MK is quite u good test track TBH, plenty of quiet-ish dual carriageways Could I ask who the dealer is?
I’m keen to get one and it’s not to replace anything so the £ is what it is
I need to get a decent test drive sorted but haven’t found a willing dealer - even the ones with a few miles on only offering a very short drive
Finding a physical car with a run in mileage is the key - anything under 1000 miles shouldn't be driven hard IMHO
RichDS said:
Good insight
Could I ask who the dealer is?
I’m keen to get one and it’s not to replace anything so the £ is what it is
I need to get a decent test drive sorted but haven’t found a willing dealer - even the ones with a few miles on only offering a very short drive
So basically no really discernible improvements over the FK8 bar different styling. Shame Honda didn't push the envelope a bit and went all safe.Could I ask who the dealer is?
I’m keen to get one and it’s not to replace anything so the £ is what it is
I need to get a decent test drive sorted but haven’t found a willing dealer - even the ones with a few miles on only offering a very short drive
Dblue said:
First extended drive of an FL5 today back to back with my car.
Glorious sunny day on familiar roads and an understanding sales person -
And having reflected on the experience I'm still undecided about jumping just yet.
Thoughts were ;
Its a handsome if a little safe bit of styling
Interior is a triumph, lovely design touches, quality materials and fine graphics. I found the raised screen a bit better than the lower FK8 one.
Seat is slightly less comfortable for me at any rate than the FK8
Someone suggested a/c was better but it seemed exactly the same as my car when dealing with 26 deg heat
All control weights and positions are perfect, lovely fresh alcantara on the wheel - but that wont last, it never does on a DD
Instrument graphics better of course.
Engine didn't feel any more eager than my car but that's down to the mileage difference I think
Internally at least it sounds a bit better.
Gear shift is superb but no better than my FK8, braking great but so is an FK8
Individual mode is a boon BUT mainly because IMHO the ride is only acceptable in comfort, Sport is bouncy on UK roads , even smooth ones and +R uncompromising - like the FK2 used to be.
I honestly think the ride options on FK8 are better. Sport on my car is a fine compromise , comfort is genuinely comfortable (even if steering/engine etc are too soft. And +R sharp as a razor on a track or smooth surface.
Based on today I don't think "my" FL5 would spend a lot of time out of Individual with suspension in comfort.
Need to have more time to find out if there's much in it at pace on a twisty B road but both cars are pretty brilliant I suspect. The FK8 reveals almost staggering composure as the speed rises and the road asks more, I'm sure the FL5 has that in its locker too.
All in all though , mildly disappointed if I'm honest.
At a cost to change of over a fair bit over £20k it makes no sense rationally right now. Even if it is fairly priced against its rivals its miles more expensive than its predecessor.
But no doubt I'll come up with some man maths sooner rather than later and get one.
Had an FK8 and loved it. Traded it in for an FL5 and for me it is a definite improvement. Interior is light years ahead and the car is generally more poised and sophisticated. Feels a more expensive product. Done nearly 5k and the engine is loosening up nicely.Glorious sunny day on familiar roads and an understanding sales person -
And having reflected on the experience I'm still undecided about jumping just yet.
Thoughts were ;
Its a handsome if a little safe bit of styling
Interior is a triumph, lovely design touches, quality materials and fine graphics. I found the raised screen a bit better than the lower FK8 one.
Seat is slightly less comfortable for me at any rate than the FK8
Someone suggested a/c was better but it seemed exactly the same as my car when dealing with 26 deg heat
All control weights and positions are perfect, lovely fresh alcantara on the wheel - but that wont last, it never does on a DD
Instrument graphics better of course.
Engine didn't feel any more eager than my car but that's down to the mileage difference I think
Internally at least it sounds a bit better.
Gear shift is superb but no better than my FK8, braking great but so is an FK8
Individual mode is a boon BUT mainly because IMHO the ride is only acceptable in comfort, Sport is bouncy on UK roads , even smooth ones and +R uncompromising - like the FK2 used to be.
I honestly think the ride options on FK8 are better. Sport on my car is a fine compromise , comfort is genuinely comfortable (even if steering/engine etc are too soft. And +R sharp as a razor on a track or smooth surface.
Based on today I don't think "my" FL5 would spend a lot of time out of Individual with suspension in comfort.
Need to have more time to find out if there's much in it at pace on a twisty B road but both cars are pretty brilliant I suspect. The FK8 reveals almost staggering composure as the speed rises and the road asks more, I'm sure the FL5 has that in its locker too.
All in all though , mildly disappointed if I'm honest.
At a cost to change of over a fair bit over £20k it makes no sense rationally right now. Even if it is fairly priced against its rivals its miles more expensive than its predecessor.
But no doubt I'll come up with some man maths sooner rather than later and get one.
peter777s said:
Had an FK8 and loved it. Traded it in for an FL5 and for me it is a definite improvement. Interior is light years ahead and the car is generally more poised and sophisticated. Feels a more expensive product. Done nearly 5k and the engine is loosening up nicely.
It's a little slower than the FK8 right? Zero7 said:
peter777s said:
Had an FK8 and loved it. Traded it in for an FL5 and for me it is a definite improvement. Interior is light years ahead and the car is generally more poised and sophisticated. Feels a more expensive product. Done nearly 5k and the engine is loosening up nicely.
It's a little slower than the FK8 right? I agree the interior is much nicer but that alcantara wheel will be nicely shiny after 20k miles - same as the facelift FK8.
But the ride options are disappointing. Sport is very firm, more than the FK8 for sure. Now as you can select comfort in individual then that's not a deal breaker but the range of options should have 2 every day useable levels IMO.
Edited by Dblue on Thursday 21st September 20:20
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