Honda Civic Type R (FL5)

The case for the FL5 Civic Type R

The FL5 Civic Type R arrived in 2022 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 315 bhp, a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. It was the most powerful Type R yet, and it was developed to be both a daily driver and a track car. The chassis is stiffer than the previous FK8, the steering is more precise and the aero package is more effective.

The FL5 is a remarkable front-wheel-drive car. It has a limited-slip differential, a sophisticated suspension setup and a gearbox that is a joy to use. On a track, it can embarrass much more expensive cars. On a road, it is comfortable enough for a daily commute, with a usable back seat and a decent boot.

The FL5 is also a sensible buy. It is cheaper than a Golf R or an Audi S3, and it is more engaging. The running costs are reasonable for a performance car, and the reliability record is strong. The challenge is finding one at a sensible price; dealers have been charging premiums over list.

What it costs to run

A minor service at a Honda specialist is £300 to £500, and a major service is £600 to £900. The K20C1 engine uses 0W-20 oil, and the intervals are 10,000 miles or annually. Tyres are £600 to £900 for a set of 19-inch rubber. Set aside £800 to £1,200 for brakes. The gearbox fluid should be changed at the recommended intervals, especially if the car is used on track.

The FL5's K20C1 engine is closely related to the FK8's, but it has a revised turbo, intake and exhaust. The service intervals are 10,000 miles or annually, and the valve clearance should be checked at the recommended interval. The gearbox fluid is important on a track car, and a change every 20,000 miles is cheap insurance. The front tyres and brake pads are consumables on track.

Fuel consumption is 30 to 35 mpg on a run and the high 20s in town. Insurance is reasonable for a hot hatch, and road tax is in the standard band. The Type R is not a cheap car to run, but it is not a supercar either.

Known weak points

The FL5 is generally reliable, but it has a few known weak points. Some owners report a grind when shifting into second or third gear, especially when cold. A gearbox fluid change and a shifter adjustment can help, but a persistent grind may need a rebuild. The clutch can wear, especially on cars that have been launched hard or tracked. The rev-match system can be jerky on early software.

The brakes can fade on track with standard pads, and the tyres can wear quickly on the front. The infotainment system is functional but not the fastest, and the paint is soft. The rear arches can collect stone chips, and the front bumper is low. The adaptive dampers can develop leaks on high-mileage cars.

The FL5's gearbox is generally strong, but some owners report a grind into second or third when cold. A fluid change and a shifter adjustment can help, but a persistent grind may need a rebuild. The rev-match system can be jerky on early software, and a software update may improve it. The adaptive dampers can leak on high-mileage cars. The paint is soft, and the rear arches can collect stone chips.

The FL5 is also sensitive to kerb damage and poorly repaired bodywork. The wide arches and low front splitter make it easy to scrape. A paint depth gauge and a careful inspection are essential.

What to check before buying

Review the service history before you discuss price. A full Honda or specialist history is essential. Check that the oil changes have been done on time and that the gearbox fluid has been changed. Ask for a fault-code scan and a report from a Honda specialist.

Check the gearbox for a cold-shift grind. Drive the car from cold and shift into second and third. Check the clutch bite point and the rev-match system. Check the brakes and tyres for track wear. Inspect the front splitter and the rear arches for damage. Check the service history and the software updates. A warranty can justify a higher asking price.

Drive the car and check the gearbox for smooth shifts, especially into second and third. Check the clutch bite point and the operation of the rev-match system. Check the brakes for wear and the tyres for uneven wear. Inspect the suspension for leaks and the dampers for noise.

Check the paint and the body panels for accident damage. Check the front splitter and the rear arches for stone chips. Run through the infotainment, climate and assistance systems and note anything that hesitates. Cover matters; a warranted car is worth more. A car that has been modified should be inspected carefully; the modifications may affect the warranty.

Market and depreciation

The FL5 Type R has been a strong market performer. At the time of writing, a good car with 10,000 to 30,000 miles was £35,000 to £45,000. Low-mileage, original cars were at the top of that range. Some dealers were asking more than list price for new cars, but the market has cooled.

The Type R has a strong enthusiast following, and the supply is limited. Low mileage helps, but a full history and good spec matter just as much for resale. The FL5 is not a guaranteed investment, but it is a solid buy.

The FL5 market has cooled from the dealer premiums of 2023. A good car is £35,000 to £45,000, and a low-mileage car is at the top of that range. The FL5 is not a limited-run car, but the supply is constrained. A car with a full history and no modifications is the one to buy. A modified car may have warranty issues.

Who it suits

The FL5 Type R suits the owner who wants a practical hot hatch that can be used every day and taken to a track day. It is comfortable enough for a daily commute, practical enough for a small family and fast enough for a weekend. It does not suit someone who wants rear-wheel drive or a car they can maintain on a small budget. It also does not suit someone who wants an automatic; the FL5 is manual only.

If you want a more refined car, the Golf R is the obvious alternative. If you want a more affordable hot hatch, the Hyundai i30 N is the value pick. If you want a rally-bred rival, the Toyota GR Corolla is worth a look.

Alternatives

The Volkswagen Golf R is more refined and has all-wheel drive, but it is less engaging. The Hyundai i30 N is cheaper and more characterful, but it is less powerful. The Toyota GR Corolla is a rally-bred rival with all-wheel drive, but it is less practical. The previous FK8 Type R is cheaper and nearly as good, but it is less refined.

The FL5 Type R is one of the best hot hatches on sale. It is not the cheapest, but it is one of the most rewarding.

How this review was compiled

This review is based on Honda's published technical and service information, owner reports from CivicXI and the Type R Owners Club, UK Honda specialist servicing guides and current Auto Trader listings. Guide prices vary with location, mileage and condition.