Let’s make the Honda Civic Type R better

Just 24 hours ago, we named the Honda Civic Type R the Motor Authority’s “Best Car To Buy 2023”. Honda’s newest Hot Hatch charms with its mature personality and looks, coupled with a more refined interpretation of the previous model’s already outstanding driving dynamics. The vote of our editors was unanimous.

But the Honda Civic Type R isn’t perfect. No vehicle is. It could be better. Here’s how.

Not a touring model

The Type R has made great strides to grow up in the design department across the outgoing generation. It no longer looks like a Transformer is trying to escape from within. But the pedestal-mounted rear wing is still large and always draws attention. Some drivers may not want this attention. Everyday life for most consumers doesn’t happen on a racetrack, and wing downforce rarely comes into play. A touring model with wing deletion would go a long way here. While some might point to the 2024 Acura Integra Type S as a solution, it will certainly be more expensive and asking more for less is a shame.

Soft comfort mode

Maybe we’re getting old, or maybe the Civic Type R is just stiff, but further differentiation between the sport and comfort modes of the adjustable dampers would be welcome. We chose Comfort mode in the individual setting for our most ideal setup on twisty back roads, but Comfort mode still felt a little too firm. If the dampers were a little softer in Comfort mode, it would make driving on the highway and over bumps in everyday driving more comfortable.

Make black an option inside

Red front seats are a hallmark of the Civic Type R, and the heavily bolstered red high-back front seats are upholstered in fabric. don’t like red Too bad. Will it drive you crazy that the back seat is black while the front is red? Too bad. Tradition is important, but a black front seat option could appeal to a wider audience. The carpet is also red, which may not be to everyone’s taste.

We want heated front seats

The Civic Type R is priced at $43,990. The front seats aren’t heated, and heated seats aren’t even an option. It seems to be spending a lot of money on a convenience that most of us have come to expect and appreciate. Some of us live in cold weather climates, Honda. Please think of the people outside of the Sunshine States?

A better Apple CarPlay and Android Auto experience

The year is 2023 and many drivers rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto instead of native infotainment systems. It is unacceptable when these systems do not work. The Civic Type R’s 9.0-inch touchscreen features the same user interface as any other Civic, plus the cool Honda LogR data logger app. In our testing of the Type R and Civic Si, we found interference with Apple CarPlay and had to reset the system to accept the connection. Less buggy software would be desirable, Honda. Speaking of which, how about upgrading to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to make short trips around town easier?

Reduce the price by $5,000

Without a doubt, the Civic Type R is the most refined and mature of the current Hot Hatches, and it also boasts the highest quality interior. But it’s also by far the most expensive. It costs $8,495 more than the Hyundai Kona N and $6,995 more than a Toyota GR Corolla, though it only costs an additional $5,815 if the GR Corolla gets the optional front and rear locking differentials we want. However, if the price of the Civic Type R were reduced by $5,000, it would be just as valuable as the last-gen model when it debuted. As a point of reference, the 2017 Civic Type R cost $34,775. On the other hand, what can we expect in times of high inflation and low dealer inventories?

It’s almost perfect

If the above improvements sound petty or insignificant, that’s because most of them are. Honda solved the problems of the last Civic Type R, which was already a winner, and made it appear and look more mature. None of our proposed changes change the fact that the Civic Type R is one of the best and most fun vehicles we’ve driven in the past year. Its ability to carry speed around corners and through Esses shocks and delights, and this time we wouldn’t have to feel like a racer driving one every day.