2023 Honda Civic Type R

Highlights 

• Iconic and hugely capable modern hot hatch

• Heavily yet tastefully modified

• 388bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine 

• Myriad engine, suspension and braking upgrades

• Honda main dealer service history plus five-year Honda service plan from new

• One owner example

• Limited use and low mileage

• Impeccably maintained and in superb condition throughout

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

When Honda released the original Civic Type R way back in 1997 there was much rejoicing from the hot hatch community who at the time were crying out for a return to the heydays of sporty, practical machines and the Civic Type R (with R standing for “Racing”) did not disappoint. Here was an inherently usable performance-oriented hatchback featuring a glorious naturally aspirated, high-revving four cylinder engine with that now famous VTEC electronically controlled variable valve timing that shone just as bright on track as it did on the road.

Thankfully that recipe of taking a base model and vastly improving it has remained a large part of Honda's overarching ethos and the now iconic Civic Type R is still being made today. Currently into its sixth generation the Type-R, despite a somewhat subtler, less aggressive design than its predecessor (which harks back to the cleaner lines of the original EK9), retains the impressive performance characteristics for which the marque is revered. Furnished with a 2.0-litre turbocharged K20C1 four-cylinder engine producing 329bhp 0-60mph is achieved in a little over five seconds and top whack will see you travelling at 170mph. With stiffer suspension and sharper steering to boot the FL5 Honda Civic Type R is rightly celebrated for its handling and is considered – at least from a technical perspective – to be the best incarnation yet.

And you can get in on the action with this stunning single owner, low mileage 2023 Honda Civic Type R. Described as “like new” by the vendor the car has reportedly never been used in the wet or during winter. Comprehensively but tastefully modified (and all fully reversible with the original parts supplied) the car benefits from a number of welcome improvements, including myriad performance, suspension and braking upgrades that enhance the car's underlying characteristics whilst boosting power to a very respectable 388bhp. The full spec list can be found below but suffice to say this is a really rather special example. Throw in a full Honda main dealer service history (as well as the steering rack recall) and a five-year Honda service plan from new and it all starts to look incredibly alluring.

History and documentation

• 2023 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 22 Mar 2023

• In current ownership since new

• Zero registered former keepers

• Two keys

• Original purchase invoice

• Five-year service plan bought from Honda when new 

• Full Honda main dealer service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals:  service at 1,379 miles (2025)

• Official steering rack recall completed by Honda

• All modification invoices from marque specialists Dream Automotive present and correct

• Advisory-free MOT (the car's first) until 20 May 2027

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• 2,348 indicated miles

Interior

• The interior presents in stunning, clean condition throughout

• No obvious signs of damage

• No evidence of any significant wear, even to high traffic areas

• Carbon centre console, door switch panels and rear seat drinks holder

• All digital displays look to be in perfect condition

• No reports of any electrical issues

• Rubber mats included

• Red carpet mats presents

• Boot space is clean and tidy and the factory liner is present

• Engine bay presents beautifully

Exterior

• Reported as being in “like new” condition

• Boost Blue Pearl paintwork is practically flawless

• Uniform shut lines with no evidence of any damage or major blemishes

• All glasswork looks to be in good order

• Aeroflow front splitter

• Flush rear wiper delete kit

• Factory 19” ten-spoke wheels (with 15mm spacers all round) are in excellent condition with no marks or kerb damage to speak of

• Vendor reports the Michelin Pilot Sport tyres are original and have therefore only covered limited miles 

• WOT Performance HPT cooling plate underguard fitted

Mechanical

• 388bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with VTEC variable valve technology

• 382lb ft of torque

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Front-wheel drive

• Hondata Flash Pro with Jail broken ECU to enable a custom remap on Dream Automotive dyno by Racecal

• Remark Stainless exhaust system (imported by the vendor from America)

• Eventuri Carbon Intake induction kit and intake pipe

• PRL Billet intercooler and charge pipe in black plus Airtec alloy header tank

• HEL Thermostatic oil cooler kit

• Powerflex uprated bush insert on the dog bone rear engine mount

• Spoon sports lowering Springs and rigid collar kit (front and rear)

• Type S ATS suspension module making the suspension more supple for UK roads

• Dream Automotive four-wheel alignment

• Front strut brace powdered coated black

• Braided Brake line kit and Motul RBF 600 brake fluid

• Everything that has been removed has been boxed and is included in the sale

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car has never been used in the wet, has always been registered as SORN over the winter months and still smells like new

Summary

An incredibly dynamic car the FL5 Type R is perfectly comfortable and refined under “normal” driving conditions but really does come alive when pushed, and push it you should, especially when performance and handling have been positively improved, as is the case with this sensational Civic. Gracefully yet seductively upgraded this is a truly shining example of one of the best hot hatches money can buy and with such limited mileage presents as a practically factory fresh example of the latest and greatest Honda Civic Type R.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Horsham, West Sussex.