FL5 Honda Civic Type R - Still Fun to Drive in the Winter?

Tires: 255/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza Sport A/S Tires on Honda Forged Wheels
-COBB Accessport for Honda Civic Type R (FL5), Acura Integra Type S (DE5)
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-PRL Rear Motor Mount
-PRL Replacement Panel Air Filter
-Acura Integra ITS ADS Unit - Acura part number 39381-31M-A03
-MRT 2023+ Honda Civic Type R FL5 Sport Touring Mid Pipe: www.shopmrt.co...
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-Disabled active sound control
-315 horsepower @ 6500 rpm, 310 lb-ft of torque from 2600 to 4000 rpm
-6-Speed Manual Transmission
-Curb weight: 3188 lbs
-MPG: 22 City / 28 Highway
-MSRP: $44,390
#honda #civictyper #fl5
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Thanks for watching!

[@Coolhand69]

I love that you touched on the ease of ability to gauge grip and testing limits in the fwd vehicles in the snow versus Awd and rwd setups

[@SstudiousS]

Picking up my Type R this Saturday and I can’t wait. I live in Idaho so my conditions should be similar to yours. But I’m gonna get the Michelin Alpine 5 on OEM 265/30R19 and see how they compare.

[@adv.013]

I'm from Idaho too and I've only had it snow twice and it was fully melted by 2 same day

[@Alex-ww8to]

Bro I’m picking up my type R this Saturday too ! What color you getting ? I got black

[@TheCldmstrsn]

so weird to not have heated steering wheel and seats and paying 45+ grand.

[@looneyyang1326]

It's a type r. It shouldn't even come with heat. So many softies these days.

[@taylorhorton8408]

@@looneyyang1326why shouldn’t it? If my $90k M4 has those creature comforts, so should this

[@looneyyang1326]

@@taylorhorton8408 lmao 90k

[@joerobinson4844]

@@looneyyang1326should be a cheaper price point then

[@joibingchilling1917]

It comes with Heated seats and steering wheel for European models. have no idea why they don't give it too American models.

[@Jack-hi4lo]

Love your vids, Topher. So many reviewers and commenters knock the Civic Type R for still being FWD. I love the fact that Honda don’t just throw an AWD system in to say “oh it’s fast.” Anything with 3XX BHP in this size category will be fast. It’s been engineered to be fast through skill and product development, which really holds true to the Type R name. But more importantly, it’s probably one of the most driver-centric driving experiences you’ll get below buying a Porsche! Keep up the content man. Love from the UK ❤

[@DampedCoast]

Its has been fun to me this winter, then again I just enjoy driving a brand new nice car for once and handles well enough in the snow imo

[@beastgamer3328]

Man I really want this car! The performance seems really good and the fact that it's a Honda makes it better! The low performance in the snow isn't a deal breaker since I don't really go out in the snow. Just wish I could drive a stick...

[@cars.withdave]

I've got some Bridgestone X-Ice tires for my WRX, you probably don't remember me but I was gunning for a Civic Si, and asked on your C6 video for a Si Vid. Completely switched gears and I've been LOVING my 24' WRX! Awesome and playful in the snow too. Hope your staying warm, - Dave

[@saw4106]

yes, I remember you

[@cars.withdave]

@ thanks saw

[@Laxy90]

"Fluffy" -TheTopher 2025

[@davidib17]

depends on your definition of fun, I got a real kick out of watching water instantly turn to ice after I spilt some on the shift knob this morning, then needing to shift with my sleeve....

[@TheTopher]

😂

[@sdalexander8505]

Fun in the snow for me is predictability and confidence, not damaging the front or underbody of my expensive vehicle. I’ll give it some power in a turn to slide a bit for fun once in awhile. I’m good with that. With winter tires and no more than a 2-3 inches of snow on the road, I think my Si is great. LSD has to help too. Run a little bit lower tire pressure for some extra traction in icy conditions. Maybe 26-28 PSI, rather than 33F/32R.

[@goatsplitter]

Fellow michigan Type R person reporting in. Im on the best (west) side and drive mine 100% daily. I use continental dws06 plus and it does fine. It's not great but it's fine. Perfectly acceptable. We've had 6+ inches in the last few days and it's fine. Full on stock size 265/30R19. No problems. :) Maybe they arent as good as this in the winter but the DWS06 are doing me just fine and maybe they're better in the dry. Just take it easy in the winter, go out less, introspect more, and reverse when its nice lol

[@grocerygrip]

It's great to see tis car in action in the snow. I'm tempted trading in my 4Runner for the CTR. However, in this recent ice/snow storm in Atlanta, and the hilly terrain of this city, and seeing an FK8 CTR having issues traversing the hills here, it's given me a slight pause on the purchase, despite how much less often the winter weather. Cities where it's flat or right at sea level, I'd trade my 4Runner in for this, no questions asked

[@slurp3194]

Why not take a look at elantra N. Much cheaper probably would perform better in winter. Only thing u would worry about is ground clearance.

[@ShaiyanHossain]

because people in atlanta dont know what snow tires are

[@Nate-Aims]

Bro I’m in the same boat!!! Wanting to trade in my 4runner trd pro for one of these.. I’ve had evos, golf r’s etc, I miss the fun daily driver life! My only issue is, the 4Runner is so comfy for daily driving and so stinking warm on the inside. We don’t get much snow in Oklahoma, but boy does it get cold sometimes. If I could own both, it would be the perfect garage setup, but finances rn don’t allow for that yet

[@grocerygrip]

@@Nate-Aims I'm 47 years old, and my inner 20-somethings wants this badly. The snow/ice storm is steering me towards a GR Corolla. Same as you I've owned '92 civic hatch, '99 civic SI, '03 Si, '04 WRX, '06 Mazdaspeed 3, Mk6/7 GTi's, and considering selling my resto mod 665whp 2JZ S14 and '22 4R TRD Prem call it a day a enjoy driving a stock car

[@grocerygrip]

@@ShaiyanHossain we do, the problem is it barely snows here and winter tires aren't worth the investment, to place on your car for an entire season. The problem when it snows, for that 1 day out of the year, we're held hostage. The GR Corolla is a nice car to have, just-in-case

[@michaelunicorn6494]

dream car

[@skittzo29]

@theTopher this Michigan winter these weeks have been brutal man. My 19 veloster turbo ultimate has been a blast.

[@mikez5740]

This is exactly why i bought a 23 limited wrx got everything i need and its just perfect for my needs! Love the type r though but just doesnt check all the boxes

[@Eric-qx7fg]

thats gay and also doesn't hold value lmao

[@mikez5740]

@@Eric-qx7fg imagine commenting on someone's KZbin comment saying this 🤣

[@Eric-qx7fg]

@@mikez5740 cus it’s true lmao, you’re driving a sad car bro, imagine buying a wrx thinking you’re sick 🤢

[@mikez5740]

@@Eric-qx7fg this comment is even more idiotic 😂😂

[@Eric-qx7fg]

@ hahaaa keep driving the turd box, I’d off myself if i was in a wrx 😂😂😭💀

[@jawknee2]

Went with some 18” enkei raijins with continental DWS. Drives great. Cleaning it up is no fun though.

[@MaghribAmazigh]

got the same wheels with some blizzaks and it's very solid in the winter

[@bigsiv]

I had a Volvo 740gl wagon in HS. It wasn’t the best in the snow, but it was a lot of fun and a great car.

[@jeo33466]

I've got a 13 Frs with all seasons and it's been so good lately. I almost bought Blizzaks but we don't get too much snow. It's been great so far

[@SamNcars1]

I’ve got performance winters on my brz and the car is crazy good through deep snow aside from some wheel spin to get moving in deep snow

[@douglaskrueger357]

Such a great car!

[@WyFoster]

FWD is definitely not the most fun in the snow. But it's a solid option for getting places with good tires. Nice to have the weight of the engine directly on the drive wheels. LSD is pretty much a must.

[@bryb2644]

Why not winter tires?

[@Rrrafe11]

Man I miss having real gears in my car, rn I’m stuck driving a hybrid Camry and having a cvt in snow is kinda depressing when I wanna get my car loose. Saving up for that brz

[@SamNcars1]

Do it, drive my brz through every snow storm and it’s a blast

[@Rrrafe11]

@ I really want one so bad, hopefully I can get a better job soon. Can’t wait to learn Manuel 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@BigBoyz33]

the shiftknob issue makes me appreciate my 350Zs oem leather shift knob more now lol it doesnt get really hot during the summer or cold as hell

[@brewcrewmanu]

You can always get a non-metal shift knob, or maybe even a cover for the current one

[@awolryan]

Share more on the Alcantara steering wheel swap….love it!

[@TheTopher]

So fluffy. Want to cuddle it in bed. Was that too much sharing? 😬

[@awolryan]

@@TheTopher strange for most but I feel the same way with Alcantara 😂

[@streamius]

Hot hatches should come with UHP all seasons across the board. Off track, I don't see why you would want the absolute maximum dry summer grip at the expense of ride quality, tire life, noise, and all season performance. A little less grip is more fun on the street.

[@micolashscream9003]

Automotive journalists are obsessed with lap times so manufacturers are forced to do everything they can to improve lap times. People would lose their minds if the new type R was slower around a circuit than the old type R. I agree with you 100% though.

[@nooooooooooo6uoki67]

@@micolashscream9003 dude I've seen a fuckin new 2024 prius that came through the shop on 19s and low profile 300 treadwears. Like whaaaat even the prius?

[@BruceXLei]

😮🫣😆

[@natemathewson5200]

Loving my FoST on Michelin X-Ices in GR. Been going rally car crazy the last few days! Gobs and gobs of rotation + manual handbrake 😙👌

[@R19Robbin]

Not the best for the winter but still fun 👌

[@Hinterhof-qx5ql]

I wonder, since you already decided to switch tires, why didn't you choose proper winter tires instead of AS?

[@lgjg7441]

I have a '23 Integra A-Spec. With a 22mm Whiteline rear sway bar and an Ultra Racing rear lower subframe bar, I actually get quite a bit of rotation. I can get the car to slide a little in the snow when I throw it into a corner

[@RebornDrake869]

I went from an 05 Tundra to a 2025 Corolla and I have to say its not too bad in the snow. The stock Firestone tires are the only weak point, as they are super unpredictable and break traction without warning (even in rain)

[@pettyrok]

For a few grand more, the IS350 and M340i become part of the conversation. Would you still buy the TypeR after owning it for a bit?

[@chaz9675]

I have a civic sedan with the whiteline 26mm rear sway bar, and if I do the pedal dance I can get the car to rotate really well in snow driving and even a bit in wet driving.

[@rrennnerr]

No, FL5 is not fun to drive in the snow. A manual e-brake would make a massive difference.

[@Canweatleastry]

How would a break help? I can see an e-brake helping though

[@rrennnerr]

@ You caught me. That failed education is coming back into play.

[@TheUnreadableUser]

Elantra N is ahead in that matter, lol

[@rrennnerr]

@@TheUnreadableUser The Elantra N would be more fun to drive in the snow with the manual E-brake than a Type R, yes.

[@KimoKimochii]

bring back manual handbrake pls

[@abdu8745]

Elantra N is lots of fun to drive in the winter. Manual handbrake lets me get some slides in.

[@takingbackzach]

Man, I love driving in the snow until I have to share the road with people who don’t know how to do it

[@BodeKissner12]

you should do a video on the ford fusion se titanium the 2l turbo is pretty quick!

[@mendozaolives]

i regret not getting winter/all seasons on my FL5. the PS4S' are screaming for help in this east coast winter/snow

[@boots_n_coots]

Just imagine you’re Paddy Hopkirk, driving in the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally, where the Mini Cooper won it all. Who sez FWD isn’t any good in the snow?😅

[@ngrinshift4383]

CrossClimates are arguably the best performance A/S. Personally, I can vouch for the BFG GForce Comp2+ A/S (what i run on my Elantra N). Those things are AMAZING in all seasons. Their design is a hate it or love it affair which, to me, is their actual biggest detractor.

[@kavanden1964]

my miata’s my “fun in the snow” car. my fl5 drives fine in it on michelin crossclimates (chose these over full-on winters bc i can only do summer tires 6 months of the year.)

[@RagextothexMax]

I have an 8th gen si (also live in Michigan) on some blizzaks and do absolutely great in the snow. My car is protected with Krown from the salt and what not. Also having a manual e-brake in my car means I can hit some pretty nasty slides in FWD.

[@johnweimer3249]

Too old to give a shit about sliding around and doing donuts. just get me where I need to go. It doesn’t matter if I’m squirreling around a little to do that in the snow. That sounds like fun. looks perfectly awesome and fun to me in the snow. I always found more confidence screaming around in my wife’s mini Cooper over my Subaru STI in the snow.

[@nicolasa.3192]

There are a lot of cool things about this car but theres a tinge of modern car comprimise baked into it that makes it a lot less fun of a Type R, but a good civic.

[@shamalabadingdong]

My elantra N is plenty of fun in the snow. With traction on it feels like its awd, the e-diff generates a crazy amount of grip. With traction off i dont even need the hand break. Its such an oversteer prone chassis with the giant 25mm stock rear sway bar. It feels like a rwd car with how easily it'll oversteer. With the handbreak you can slide and do really long drifts, not what you'd expect for a fwd car.

[@BrodeyDoverosx]

Now that sounds like my kind of car.

[@scottbenway1266]

I wouldnt winter the forged wheels personally but if you use them year round i guess ..

[@scottbenway1266]

I mean, id hate to curb those wheels bro

[@XeroFailGames]

Lol i got the si because of heated seats and a sunroof....but you can add heated seats no problem

[@swiftyswiss8300]

Nice

[@The_Noticer.]

Seeing as my remapped fc1 skips 225 bllizzak tyres in second gear, i doubt having 90bhp more would be more fun.

[@pomx895]

Can you guys help me. I’m between FL5 and F80 they’re about same price which one should I go for, I like both of them

[@onepointsix647]

Canadian winters, have to have winter tires. Maybe a fresh All Season but safer with winters. I know some FL5 users using Michelin Alpin5 and get around easy. Oh just garage your car for the winter lol.

[@gaivoron]

I wanna see you hoon a WRX.

[@thecarveda]

Did you re-calibrate the speedometer after switching to 35 profile (from stock 30) tires by any chance?

[@fuadguled1462]

All I gotta say is, thank god I live in Florida. Couldn’t pay me enough to live in the snow.

[@lptomtom]

Couldn't pay me enough to live in Florida! Different strokes...

[@2015BLOXXER]

Bro the hurricanes man I can’t

[@2turbo4u]

Didn't it snow in Florida yesterday?

[@2015BLOXXER]

@ in the panhandle it did

[@fuadguled1462]

@ that’s because you couldn’t afford to live there

[@adv.013]

I wonder how the Camaro would do in the snow

[@TheTopher]

We're going to find out!

[@tasstychezbugu1563]

crazy how my 2003 CL type S has heated seats but a brand new Type R doesn’t that nearly costs 50k

[@VA7Vlad]

honestly, no manual handbrake is a deal breaker

[@nooooooooooo6uoki67]

yeah besides the 'down-to-clown' aspect its legitimately useful in the winter if you have some massive understeer

[@anroopahl]

Buys v8 Camaro and suddenly cant get the type r to rotate now lol! On a side note I have a gigantic rear sway bar on the car and it rotates just fine lol

[@Chris-hw4mq]

you wouldnt want to drive the camaro in that snow

[@daftcow706]

@@Chris-hw4mq it would be very possible with winter tires

[@odysseyellis6353]

@@Chris-hw4mqit’d be fine w some snow tires. Just be easy and roll around. my dad did it all the time

[@hungson215]

The number of people goes to CTR review to advertise the Elantra N is so damn high

[@andrewpaul4223]

Need a BRZ just for winter

[@andrewpaul4223]

Put summer on the back you’ll get it to rotate

[@streamius]

@@andrewpaul4223 RS3 style, more grip in the front.

[@nooooooooooo6uoki67]

and it wont stop rotating lmfao

[@stevenbacchus8000]

If you live in a snowy climate, and intend on driving your car year-round, the GR Corolla and Golf R are better choices in this segment. Sure, FWD with winter tires will easily get around, but it’s not going to be as fun, controllable, planted, yet drift-able as AWD with winter tires.

[@seethingsclearlyawaken3424]

No heated steering wheel or heated seats and at nearly $50,000? That's pretty sad! I would buy a Corolla over the Civic anyhow. At least the Corolla is reliable. I believe this Type-R is totally out of its element, but at least it's a Front-Driver...which is an advantage.

[@chillphung8327]

That's really unfortunate that stability control off = brutal understeer, and stability control on = inability to scandinavian flick. I have a pre-stability control 2010 Mazda 3 manual. It lift off oversteers, left foot braking while gassing oversteers, scandi flick oversteers beautifully with the soft suspension, and obviously handbrake oversteers.

[@FishingThePNW]

Honda not giving the Type R an actual Hand Brake is so annoying.

[@Him-c4r]

1:45 bro VIOLATED the shift knob lmao

[@hitzuarrest]

No, he did not

[@DreamzL]

Early tdy

[@Zerocool_84]

👍

[@raphaeldelaghetto5343]

Have certain performance all season tires like these ones and the pilot sport a/s 4 made dedicated winter tires somewhat unnecessary? Especially for someone on a budget. Would it be a waste of money to keep having to replace 2 sets of tires when you could instead simply have one set of do it all tires? I mean, most of the performance summer tires now have become incredibly capable beyond what most folks would even need for daily driving anyway. And this new trend of using a mix of track tire compounds on some of these ultra-high performance tires is a bit silly and painfull to both your wallet and paint job as they have terrible longevity and literally throws rocks at your car, not to mention getting them up to temps for optimal grip is basically impossible on public roads rendering them almost useless to begin with And they literally! Tommy gun your cars exterior with every rock stone pebble gravel them tires touch to then turn into ammo,lol. I will never again. So long story short, I'm thinking I might just pick up a set of Bridgestone potenza sport a/s.

[@gladdy02]

I don't care what people say, 46k for a car and it doesn't come with heated seats is terrible

[@SethKnows]

GR Corolla > CTR Been having a blast with some Blizzaks in my GR, handbrake, awd, heated steering wheel and seats make it the best daily for me.

[@looneyyang1326]

How's the AWD overheat warning? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@SethKnows]

@@looneyyang1326 Sorry, haven't had that issue. Wanna take the GRC and CTR out to a rally event and see who overheats or who even makes it to the finish line? Like I said GRC > CTR when it comes to a daily, especially in bad weather.

[@looneyyang1326]

@@SethKnows i like them both. just glad both options are available.

[@SethKnows]

@@looneyyang1326 me too! I just think if you live in this climate, the GRC makes more sense. -20 yesterday when I started it up, heated seats and steering wheel are very welcome.

[@looneyyang1326]

@@SethKnows i live in florida. my fl5 is perfect for the weather down here. if i lived up north, i would get a gr corolla.

[@CM-yy9bc]

Rip the hand bra… 😢

[@Badgerroodragon]

Abs parking brake drift attempt makes me sad. They need to go back to manual handbrakes. Electric ones are just a gimmick that when the battery dies the car is stuck. Its an insurance scam basically

[@boogeyman423]

All seasons are driveable in snow but you need more attention to speed and grip levels. Also Michigan seems flat, it gets more fun in the mountains with twisty roads and uphills. I don't recommend them unless you only get a couple of snowy days per year or never plan to drive in snowy packed un plowed roads.

[@boots_n_coots]

Drive my Type R in the snow? No way! [but looking at LA fire ash all over my shiny black paint]

[@Davabunga]

The Acura Integra type S is better

[@colin8449]

no manual handbrake in a fwd in the snow honestly sounds terrifying

[@Krilixe]

my 2018 awd prius is more fun than this NGL but any driving in the snow is fun

[@davidgrunklee8407]

Wheel n shifter= WEAR GLOVES

[@shinyrust1974]

The answer is no

[@cryptonator1988]

I think these are ugly, bulky looking, heavy with that said I think it has a great engine decent power could be better and great transmission and gear box but way over priced for what your getting im just not a fan of the over all design and price.. cars are outrageous these days. If this costed 33-36k id say it's a great deal but for whatever they cost 50k plus dealer mark ups is absolutely ridiculous and criminal..

[@Charismatic-l8e]

Where is your wife and kids?

[@ix5745]

Why would you want to ask that!

[@Nazy101]

@@ix5745people are weird man

[@lptomtom]

What a hilariously weird question

[@2015BLOXXER]

Diddy ahh question

[@SilentRoadStudio]

Might have to put you on the list 🤔

[@RutujaSomeone]

Man, that car is way too overpriced. I would rather buy an m3. KZbinrs are buying them coz they are getting ton of discounts from manufacturers/local dealers due their presence at their launch event. They hold value really well. Front wheel drives are understeering kings and suks at launch. No to mention, gotta change those front tires often due to over work.

[@juelz4516]

A used money pit. Perfect.

[@andrewhoch8202]

brand new car vs used money pit. the honda will last at least 100k the bmw is lucky to make it to 80💀

[@Felixthatdawg]

@@juelz4516he should just buy a 20k Maserati ghibli that’s a way nicer car…. Right?

[@RutujaSomeone]

@ any track car is not about reliablility. You can drive a prius too if you are worried about it. Its a shame that youtubers are getting a ton on discounts on these cars and get to wash your brains for free and making it seem like dream car. Its same like the woke culture. just because a few people believe that its worth over 50k, it isnt. Front wheel drive launch suks and understeers like a pig. Do you think type R lasts over 100k miles?

[@Felixthatdawg]

@@RutujaSomeonewe know it does

[@Cichlid_Visuals]

no handbrake makes this miserable in the snow honestly. all i ever think about in a type r is how much i wish it wasnt front wheel drive. you MUST have a handbrake to get through snow safely in an FF and maintain any semblance of speed. how can you adjust your line while fighting all that understeer? still cant forgive honda for that absolute cardinal sin.

[@jaberjaw9539]

Be careful with those reverse doughnuts in a front wheel drive you will ruin your cv joints.