Honda Civic Type R supply restored

HONDA Australia has confirmed that wait times for its sporty Civic Type R have returned to the usual three-to-four months, following the restoration of normal supply at its Japanese plant.

Speaking to media gathered for an event in South Australia this week, a Honda Australia spokesperson said they were pleased to be able to offer the FL5-series Civic Type R to local customers in a normal timeframe, and apologised for past delays that had seen wait lists blow out to almost two years in some instances.

“We started taking customer orders a year ago and then officially launched the vehicle in February. Then, in April, we secured more production, which was really quite a big deal internally for us as it meant we could provide more (vehicles) to our customers,” said a Honda Australia spokesperson.

“The good news now is that if you order a Civic Type R today it will be delivered around March next year, so around three-to-four months (excusing any delays with shipping or at local ports).”

“The Civic Type R has been very popular, and it is such an iconic part of our range. We are very proud of it, and proud that we are now able to offer the vehicle to our customers in a normal time frame.”

The record-setting performance version of Honda’s eleventh-generation front-wheel drive Civic is priced from $72,600 drive-away, bringing it in step with all-wheel drive European-sourced rivals including the Audi S3 quattro (from $76,100 +ORC), BMW M 135i xDrive (from $76,600 +ORC), Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport 4Matic (from $73,400 +ORC), and Volkswagen Golf R (from $75,590 +ORC).

Honda’s Civic Type R also vies with front-wheel drive rivals, including the Renault Megane RS Ultime (from $67,500 +ORC), the bargain Hyundai i30 N hot hatch (from $46,200 +ORC) and the ubiquitous Volkswagen Golf GTI (from $56,090), as well as the all-wheel drive Toyota GR Corolla GTS (from $64,190 +ORC) and GR Corolla Morizo Edition (from $76,427 +ORC).

Producing 235kW at 6500rpm and 420Nm from 2600-4000rpm, the latest Civic Type R is the most powerful yet and will be offered as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A lighter flywheel and revised rev-matching system ensuring “hyper precise” shifting.

The front-wheel drive hot hatch is a more responsive and “more thrilling to drive” experience than before, the K20C1 engine boasting a redesigned turbocharger and more efficient exhaust system to offer improvements of 7kW and 20Nm over the previous model.

Honda says it has retuned the Civic Type R’s dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension to improve straight-line stability and steering feel. While two-piece front rotors reduce unsprung mass and improve braking performance.

The Type R rides on 19-inch matte black alloy wheels shod with 265/30 profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

On the equipment front, the Civic Type R offers individual drive modes, an active exhaust valve, 10.2-inch digital driver display, a 9.0-inch infotainment array with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, Honda LogR telemetry system, sat nav, folding door mirrors, and ambient door and footwell lighting.

The Civic Type R shares much of its safety equipment with the Civic VTi LX including a full complement of airbags, blind-spot information system, rear cross-traffic alert, speed limiter, driver attention monitor and more.

Inside, the cockpit includes the Civic Type R’s iconic red seats, carpet and trim, a redesigned aluminium shift knob and a serialised Type R build plate affixed to the dashboard.

Locally, the Civic Type R is offered in a range of four paint colours including Championship White, Rally Red, Crystal Black and Sonic Grey.

Visit GoAuto again soon for our track review of the 2024 Honda Civic Type R.