[S2, E10.5] Honda Civic Type R FL5: Worthy of Sports Car of the Year?

Welcome to a new branch of The YTG Podcast! Back in episode 6 of season 2, Shaun was flabbergasted by Top Gear's choice of 2023 Sports Car of the Year, the Honda Civic Type R FL5. Well, listener of the show and straight up legend, Deshan, got in touch to offer us a drive in his brand new FL5! We met on the testing grounds of Mount Dandenong and what developed was a short form podcast on wheels as Shaun and Niko both drove the car and discussed their opinions on the brand new Hot Hatch to ultimately answer the question, does it deserve the award?
A huge thank you to Deshan for offering us his pride and joy to create this video. Deshan is a true driving enthusiast and it's a real pleasure to meet more passionate people who love driving just as we do. You can find him @deshan_mk6 on instagram.
Let us know if you liked this new style of The YTG Podcast in the comments below. We are currently open to the idea of reviewing listeners cars on a more regular basis, if that's what the audience wants to see!
To learn more about YTG and the amazing cars we have in stock, head to:
www.YTG.co

[@dobie_bellaruby]

Definitely worthy of the title

[@brewed544]

I approved so much I BOUGHT ONE!!

[@ytgbespoke3995]

Good choice!

[@sbklvr]

I grew up around and worked at dealerships, raced cars and motorcycles. I traded my Porsche Macan in on a FL5 and can honestly say, no other car has such a motorsports feel to it. It feels like you're driving a Touring car championship race car, from the seating position and the stiff suspension, to the pebbles bouncing off the chassis from the tires. Sure, there are quicker cars, but nothing under 100k has a more race car feel.

[@Jmarzx]

So this must be extremely better than my coupe SI . But my thing is ; hmm 🤔 do you debate if the Elantra N is just as Great ?

[@ytgbespoke3995]

While we agree the Type R is a great car, it is still a soft, quiet and comfortable everyday car, not even close to being a race car for the road, especially for under 100k. A Lotus Elise, for similar money, will quickly show you the Type R driving experience has more in common with a Rolls Royce than a racing car.
Regardless of that, however, the Type R is still a fantastic car.

[@ytgbespoke3995]

ua-cam.com/video/X6-770rndEM/v-deo.html
This will answer that question.

[@vjdfl5]

​@Jmarzx I've owned both. Drive dynamics are very close, but the Honda is a better car in every way. Plus, they practically appreciate in value vs tank.

[@kobi2002]

I own an fl5 and it is an amazing car. Great daily that’s ready when you’re ready.

[@ytgbespoke3995]

We really enjoyed the car, while Niko has his own specific gripes with driver feedback, there's no doubt that its a fantastic machine.

[@allenchu92]

I'd argue the Integra Type S is a better option simply because of how more complaint the suspension is on the streets, but the Type R is definitely a better option for track duty. (I own an Integra Type S so I may be biased)

[@ytgbespoke3995]

Interesting perspective Allen, thanks for sharing. Funnily enough we had zero issues with the compliance of the Type R's suspension, the road we drove was of extremely poor quality and we both thought it was more than comfortable.

[@allenchu92]

@@ytgbespoke3995 My Integra Type S is my daily driver, and I live in LA with some of the worst road conditions. Part of my decision to pick up a DE5 vs an FL5 was the dailyability of the softer tuned dampers. I also know that a popular mod with FL5 owners is actually swapping the damper controller for the one out of the DE5. It's a noticeable difference in how the dampers react under poor road conditions. The DE5 probably has the best stock suspension for any new modern car under $60k i've driven. I'd highly recommend driving a DE5 so you can experience the subtle difference for yourself.
The only other difference between the cars is how much better the FL5 seats are vs the Integra seats. If i'm able to find a set of FL5 seats on the used market for sale, i'm definitely swapping seats.

[@asiangrafx]

Did you test drive the fl5? I live in the bay area and the roads are so so. I don’t find it overly stiff at all.

[@sbklvr]

The type R has a more 90s nostalgic feel to it, imo. Along with a more motorsports feel. Ypu can swap the adaptive suspension control modul from the type s into the type r if you prefer the Integras feel. Only difference is the programming. The suspension is the same. I do get why people prefer the luxury amenities though.