2023 Honda Civic Type-R FL5 Lands in Thailand with A RM520K Price Tag!

The 44th edition of the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) this year sees many automakers flocking the IMPACT Convention Centre in Muang Thong Thani to display and preview some of their latest models. 

As expected, this prestigious auto show features a bevy of performance models previewed to feast the eyes of the visitors, with some of them will eventually end up in the Thai market space, sooner or later.

One of those instances being the all-new Honda Civic Type-R FL5, poised to be officially launched into the Kingdom’s market space. This latest Type-R model will come in very limited units, currently open for booking via Honda Thailand’s official website.

The FL5-gen Type-R carries over many performance parts from its predecessor, the Civic Type-R FK8. Said parts include the improved 2.0-litre 4-cyl KC20C1 turbocharged VTEC mill that now outputs 325 HP and 420 NM, delivering all its power to the front wheels (FWD) via a six-speed manual gearbox. 

Apart from that, the FL5 manages to improve over the model it replaces by sporting a lighter flywheel, bigger opening space for the front radiator to improve cooling performance, as well as a revised rev-match system for more precise gear shifting.

Honda Civic Type-R FL5 (top) vs Honda Civic Type-R FK8 (bottom)

Visually, the new Type-R looks more mature and grown-up compared to the aggressively-styled FK8 model. Based on the 11th-gen Civic hatch, the FL5 Type-R boasts a more rectangular design language, swapping the old model’s excessive aero bits and parts for a sleeker, smoother design.

On board, the FL5 Type-R is definitely a more modern and upmarket-looking car, thanks to a slew of tech amenities carried over from the standard Civic model. And just like any other Type-R models, the FL5 is primed with red upholstery on its seats and dash, as well as the Type-R’s signature aluminium gear knob, with an exposed shift gate pattern and stronger lever material for more precise and direct shifting.

Honda Thailand has announced the all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type-R FL5 is primed with a very hefty price tag of THB 3.990 million (RM518,740). This practically puts it in the same bracket as its soon-to-be eternal rival, the Toyota GR Corolla hot-hatch, which is priced at THB 3.949 million (RM513,278) in the Kingdom’s market.

As for now, Thailand is the second market in the ASEAN region after Vietnam to officially launch the new Civic Type-R. Previously reported, Honda Malaysia is planning to launch at least 3 new models this year, with two of them said to be the SUV duo of the new WR-V and CR-V. 

Though there’s not much being said on the third model, all signs are pointing towards this Type-R hot-hatch. And judging by Honda Malaysia’s stellar reputation in bringing in Type-R models into our local market – a trend that started way back with the FD2R Civic Type-R – the possibility of seeing them rolling down our streets officially is definitely not a far-fetched one.

With its segment rival the GR Corolla recently making its debut in Malaysian shores, the arrival of the 2023 Honda Civic Type-R FL5 will surely be a welcomed one. Hopefully, it won’t be getting the ‘special, limited units’ price mark-up like our northern neighbour.