2023 Honda Civic Type R: Engine, timing, potential performance numbers and everything else we know so far about Japan's new hero hatchback

Honda’s Civic Type R has always batted above its weight as a front-drive hot hatch that could hang with more powerful rivals that even have extra driven wheels.

And, hopefully, Honda will stick to the same formula for its new-gen flagship hatchback that is expected to be revealed later this year.

Currently undergoing final testing, as seen at Japan’s Suzuka Circuit, Honda has more or less locked in key details for the next Type R, but is yet to reveal anything concrete.

Regardless, here is a round up of everything we know so far about the 2023 Honda Civic Type R.

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Engine and transmission

Building on the outgoing car’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the 2022 Civic Type R will at least match the 228kW/400Nm output of last year’s hot hatch.

In fact, Honda is calling this new version the “best performing Civic”, but you could argue every new generation has been up to that point.

Early rumours had indicated Honda might make use of hybrid technology to boost outputs, possibly leveraging the learnings from the second-gen NSX supercar, but it appears this will no longer be the case.

As such, outputs might not increase by all that much, but even with a carryover engine tune, the 2022 Civic Type R still puts up more than a match for the Australian-spec 235kW/400Nm Volkswagen Golf R, 228kW/400Nm Audi S3 and 225kW/400Nm Mercedes-AMG A35.

A six-speed manual is already locked in for the Civic Type R, but rumours are also pointing to an automatic version that would broaden the hot hatch’s appeal.

Platform

Based on the 11th-generation Civic that hit Australian showrooms in 2021, the new Type R will look visually close to its donor car, but with added sportiness thanks to a bodykit and signature big wing.

This means the divisive styling of the outgoing Type R is likely gone to make way for a more mature look.

Keep in mind that the ‘boy racer’ look of the old car was all functional, right down to the bonnet scoop that helped funnel around the engine bay, so the new car’s styling is expected to perform a similar function.

It also bodes well that the standard 2022 Civic is already a respectable driver’s car that doesn’t shy away from corners.

Testing photos have revealed that the new Type R prototype rides on sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, which will likely carryover to production.

The previous Civic Type R was also the first to introduce adaptive suspension, able to switch between comfort and sporty modes at the flick of a switch, so expect to see a similar system return for the 2022 car.

Pricing

The previous Civic Type R was priced at $54,990 before on-road costs, and bowed out with the Limited Edition positioned at $70,000 drive-away.

Don’t expect to see prices go backwards in the new car though, as Honda’s push upmarket has seen costs rise for the standard Civic as well.

With the single-grade 2022 Civic available for $47,200 drive-away, and an expected hybrid version coming soon with an even bigger price tag, the new Type R could actually exceed the $70,000 barrier for the first time.

This could put it right in premium, all-wheel-drive hot hatch territory against the Audi S3, BMW 135i and Mercedes-AMG A35, but time will tell.

Rivals

What exactly will the Civic Type R line up against when it comes out?

With the Ford Focus RS now retired, the most obvious answer is the Volkswagen Golf R, which is also due to hit showrooms in 2022.

Renault’s Megane RS also remains a potent front-drive contender to knock out the Civic Type R, and musters 221kW/400Nm from a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.

The new Subaru WRX STI is also expected to break cover this year, which should build on the 2022 WRX’s 202kW/350Nm punch to deliver a more worthy adversary.

However, it could be Toyota that offers the most resistance to Honda’s hot hatch reign, as rumours of a GR Corolla continue to swirl.

With a rumours 200kW/370Nm 1.6-litre three-cylinder borrowed from the hot GR Yaris, a GR Corolla doesn’t seem like much of a threat, but all-wheel traction and rally-bred dynamics could be a crucial factor.