Honda Civic Type R FK8 vs FL5

[@daschyt2225]

Top video! Undoubtedly, both are great cars. But the FK8 is just a true icon - unique styling, drive etc! I do believe people will appreciate this more over time. Boost Blue is gorgeous!!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man, personally I prefer the FL5 but the FK8 will be well remembered

[@DS-en4et]

Unique styling? The FK8’s styling is its weakest point. Looks like it was designed by a bunch of 12 year olds. The FL5 actually looks like a serious car

[@khalidfathallah6619]

@@DS-en4et The fact that it looks like it was designed by twelve year olds is what makes it great. We all want to drive the cars we dreamed about when we were 12. You cant find that anywhere else unless you are prepared to spends hundreds of thousand of dollars. My FK8 will never be sold. I might even by a second one.

[@cooleye7007]

TO EACH HIS OWN. IM JUST SO GLAD AND EVEN MORE SURE NOW THAN EVER TO KEEP MY 21 BB FK8. THE ORIGINAL AGGRESSIVE DESIGN THAT WORKS AND "DOESNT CARE WHAT WILL OTHER PEOPLE THINK" MENTALITY. THE FK8 IS GOING TO BE A LEGENDARY CAR SOMEDAY, MARK MY WORDS! This "boyracer/design by kid" comments that people usually says about the FK8, to me are just IGNORANT statements so. Like the FK8 "fake" vents that people are saying are funny. First of all they are NOT OFFICIALLY vents. Honda NEVER CLAIMED its a vent lol, its just part of the design cue that MANY Sports Cars and Super cars have on ALSO. So its not just the Type R that has these "looks" incorporated in their car but LOTS of car manufacturers as well all over the world, Germans and Japanese alike in their Sports Cars. These "boy racer/Gundam look" that are goin around are plain stupid and nothing but a SUBJECTIVE OPINION. Others like me, including the Japanese Engineers who designed the FK8 see it as an aggressive and useful Aerodynamic purposes that a non engineer people dont understand. Even Porsche engineers started to put huge wings on their 911 trims. All of these aerodynamic parts and shape on FK8 have used and purposes, and the "vent look" design cue are just for that..looks lol. Unfortunately others will keep seeing it as a "fake vents" as usual lol 🙄. I love my FK8 design the first time ive seen it on the picture, it looks Aggressive and original unlike the FL5 who looks like a regular traffic to me imho. KEEP IN MIND, the agrresive body SHAPE of the FK8 AND the REGULAR 10th gen Civic Hatchback are 95 % similar, they look almost the SAME !!!. So if FK8 is really ugly as these people say (ONLY FOUND ON THE COMMENTS SECTIONS TYPICALLY BTW), then WHY are the sales of its regular Hatchback are waaaay too high AAAND you see a LOT of them regular 10th gen hatchbacks on the roads ALREADY? PROOF that regular non car people from all ages really likes and buy them. I have 3 coworkers, 2 senior adults and one in his 30s that owns them and drive them everyday to work. I asked them what they like about their car and why they chose to buy it and told me they LOVE the looks of it, period, and then they see my FK8 and they love the looks of it as well and usually love taking pics of it From my own experience, I have random people.. old, teens, kids, UPS and Amazon delivery drivers, from all walks of life really who APPROACHED me in parking lots, gas stations, schools, even at Church, traffic streets just to tell me their admirations on the looks of my FK8, nothing but GENUINE praises and made me convinced that its a widely ACCEPTED and APPROVED look by the general public and that made me even MORE proud of my FK8 and these naysayers cannot prove me otherwise. Anyways, You get my point, im just saying i have heard waaaay MORE testimonials from people who told me how much they love the look of the FK8 than people from car group saying its just a boyracer look, thats why its so funny to me whenever i hear people saying it and majority of these hates are coming from the so called "car enthuaiasts" people. First of all the FK8 are designed by Honda Engineers who have race track on mind , the looks are intentionally well designed 100% for racing purposes while the FL5 is a "compromised" design for US markets while just maintaning its racing specifications required imho. Anyways,.... FL5 is a nice lookin car and doesnt look bad in itself, im not saying that its ugly, its prolly a better car than FK8 since as far is built is concern, it's made in Japan which im jealous btw, but other than that, I'll still prefer the FK8 design of it and will keep my 21 FK8 BB thru and thru, she's definitely a keeper for me forever. Aaand... if they call my FK8 a "boyracer" look, well at least I can say the word "racer" is STILL attached to it, compared to the FL5 "Regular traffic vanilla" look to me. Again, no offense, this is PURELY my humble opinion.

[@cooleye7007]

​@@khalidfathallah6619YUP TOTALLY AGREE, I LOVE MY FK8 ..PROUD OWNER HERE 💙

[@bubbles4136]

I absolutely loved my experience in the FL5, a truely insane car. Great video AS ALWAYS. Keep up the great effort!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man and yeah the new FL5 is awesome aye

[@plantbased7486]

Both are fantastic bit I prefer the look and feel of the FK8. It looks more like a true hot hatch whereas the FL5 does resemble an Accord

[@KiwiCarLife]

Interesting’

[@jfz313]

FK8 all day every day.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good car

[@asinglefrenchfry.]

@user-gz9tq9fo5b I honestly think FL5 is ugly

[@User16589]

@user-gz9tq9fo5b:(

[@baegyu6715]

Fk8 looks like a toy so ugly...

[@Daniel-mh6td]

I have the Fk8 with TYPE R plate. Never looked back and will hold it for a while!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Awesome!

[@khalidfathallah6619]

What an underrated channel. Excellent content.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks

[@xinranshi1487]

As an FK8 owner, I always wanna see a comparison between an FL5 and an FK8 with the same wheels and tire specs on the track. So sad no one is doing this...

[@KiwiCarLife]

Jolly expensive to do but yeah would be cool haha

[@Mikele-ez2jw]

Both at the same price the FL5, as current prices are I would definitely go FK8, as the difference does not make sense

[@KiwiCarLife]

True

[@BLUPRINT1LE]

I like the looks of the FK8 but I like the upgrades of the FL5. Great video

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks!

[@thatguyben3128]

_❤love both cars but the FL5 is just so handsome IMO with exceptional handling, its got my vote👍🏼_ … _another great review brother_ 👏🏼

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man the FL5 looks so nice

[@neog4822]

Exactly what I was looking for! My man, keep it up. The styling on the Fl5 really is the tipping factor for me, looks a bit more mature and timeless imo. Other than that I think FK8 wins on overall bang for buck if you can get over the styling.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man and yeah agree

[@RaceCarFriends]

I think I'd get the FK8 if I was in NZ I currently have an FL5 in the US though, great video very informative.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man

[@RaceCarFriends]

@@KiwiCarLife You're welcome brother.

[@Vikturus22]

this reminds me of when VW went from the mk5 gti to the mk6 gti. They just improved on what was not great on previous gen and called it a day. Thats not saying its a bad thing either

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah mk5 and mk6 gti is a good analogy for these two. I should have used it in the video

[@golfboy666gti]

What? The Mk5 GTI is one of the best VW made - after the crap that was the Mk3 and Mk4

[@Vikturus22]

@@golfboy666gti agreed. But everyone says the mk6 is a step up, and considering mk6 is built off the mk5 essentially

[@xconankunx4530]

FL5 all the way, looks way better in every way. 🔥

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah it’s great aye

[@DropkickNation]

Nah

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

The internet has know for many years that a teenager in his mums Honda is faster than a lawyer in his leased Lamborghini. Good to see that continue.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lol HAHA

[@g0d182]

Fl5 looks very similar to a Toyota CHR suv, and a bit too generic ~same front bumper design ~similar rear ~similar rear integrated fenders

[@2023_DC]

Great video, have a like 👍🏻 I get my FL5 in about a month… very excited! I do wish I could remove the active sound control easily though. You can simply turn it off in my current golf R using an obd11

[@KiwiCarLife]

Very nice

[@jovanciric4264]

My dad has a special need to go all out on rain, i remember him in a 1.8 VTi civic zoomin on mountain roads when wipers couldnt wipe the water, limit was 50 he was goin 100, that old Torsen diff was doin work

[@KiwiCarLife]

Goodness haha

[@bg9994]

Great video mate. Good to see someone full send in some tougher weather to get an idea what they can really do. Is this near Wellington at all, looks stunning. All the best from across the ditch glad I've found the channel with getting my type r this week.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man and enjoy the new car!

[@tomwilliams242]

Having replaced the OEM Continental tyres on my UK 19 Reg FK8 with Michelin Pilot Sport 4s tyres I have found that the Michelins': are more comfortable, less road noise, steering slightly heavier, which I prefer as mostly driven in comfort mode, & no chunk chunk when manoeuvring in cold temperatures. Have driven when -3 deg C & car felt secure. The NCAP safety of the FL5 leaves something to be concerned about for the driver in the offset crash test. In the UK the FL5 is priced at about £12k more than the FK8 was priced.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah PS4’s are kinda the gold standard for good tyres these days

[@xenonsaccord4447]

Yes!!!! I saw the Honda New Zealand post not too long ago. That was quick how fast you got one in!

[@KiwiCarLife]

They’ve actually had them out for 7 months but they’ve been on a ballot scheme instead of first in first serviced

[@nfspeedy2]

​@@KiwiCarLifein Germany they did a lottery because of high demand

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@nfspeedy2 Yep same here

[@xenonsaccord4447]

@@KiwiCarLife Ah I see. Nonetheless thanks again for such a superb video

[@DR-UTAH]

Good video 👍 They both look awesome.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man

[@benf3996]

Always preferred subdued styling. FL5 for me. But if I can get a good deal on an FK8, why not?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah agree

[@iconicshade]

FL5 has a more subdued, timeless, and cohesive design both inside and outside. Also it will have lower production numbers if im not mistaken so will go down in history as the more desireable of the two.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Indeed

[@g0d182]

fl5 already reasonably looks dated others have said the opposite is true that fk8 has a more relevant, timeless design Fl5 for eg, looks very similar to a Toyota CHR suv, and a bit too generic ~same front bumper design ~similar rear ~similar rear integrated fenders etc

[@hypasheep]

Would love the fl5 but the price is insane, even the used fk8 are still around 50k which is not cheap either. That's why I went with a RS Megane 265 with recaros and LSD, cup chassis. Less power than civic but is still rapid and gives all the joys of a hot hatchback, and the styling is much easier in the eyes than a fk8. If u were ever in Chch I would let u drive my RS Megane for a video, would be interesting to hear your opinion on the bang of buck of these cars

[@KiwiCarLife]

Fair enough, and yeah lots of people have been saying I should review a 265 so I’d be keen! Hit me up on Insta

[@sgillard960]

I would have an FL5 all day long but just cannot part with my FK8. I love the outrageous styling and evil front end.

[@KiwiCarLife]

They’re awesome aye

[@spadgm]

Great review! I like both, but I would be in the category of people that would be super happy with the older car and save some cash!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah me too I think

[@SIIKAP1]

I can’t get over paying $45k USD for a used FK8 though. especially not when they were $38k new

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@SIIKAP1 they’re only 45k NZD here vs 75k NZD for a new FL5

[@SIIKAP1]

@@KiwiCarLife damn USA market is insane then

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@SIIKAP1 absolutely mab

[@Bekir_Gol]

FK8 (facelift)❤

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good car

[@goranEE9]

I like the FL5 model more... but I dream about having any Type R model. Shame about the weather, it should have been dry. The only segment that I don't understand in evolution of these cars is that older cars had glorious sound, and the new ones have fake engine noise.

[@KiwiCarLife]

It’s the way the world is going with turbos and particulate filters

[@Lxzandr]

Awesome Honda content as always. Not a lot of people can say they have driven an Fk8 and Fl5 civic type r. Which one do you like most?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Fl5 is better for sure but it also costs heaps more

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

Hi that was a good review. FL5 for me ,need that lotto win though. There were quality issues with the Swindon built cars,mostly paint and poor panel gap fit etc,still far better than any Tesla though. At least coming out of Japan QA should be a lot better if you can get one. What are they now $75K+? Still like my 09 Accord Euro tourer with K24,not exciting but smooth and refined.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah the FL5 is pretty expensive aye

[@fizfilet5640]

I have mix feeling, I love the old base Civic hatchback FK, but the FK8 is too much for me, and then came a FL5, that so clean IMO

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I’d agree

[@frpovil]

Hey bro, just found your channel, wish you good luck.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man

[@jaebenchmarks]

Please review a Subaru Impreza sg-t manual! If possible! I love watching these reviews

[@KiwiCarLife]

Maybe

[@julien1681]

Can't get over the tablet on the dashboard !! It would be the 100% go for it otherwise. I mean both are just impressive machines!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Honestly I think it’s one of the better implementations of an infotainment screen. Very easy to use

[@julien1681]

@@KiwiCarLife no doubt, it is a good one! Just a personal taste. I had a few Hondas and I personally like the screen integrated lower in the dashboard.

[@reonbarrett5546]

FK8 all day the best bro

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good car

[@van_der_lindeDA]

Having had both the FL5 has improved on so much and feels better built and ride feels more planted....

[@The_Noticer.]

There is a big difference in the torque curve with the new FL5 though. Absolute numbers aren't that different, but as i recall it has more midrange torque now.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I can feel that, and smoother power delivery

[@mappyfrappy]

You're paying for a better looking car with a 5%, at most, improvement in performance, mostly on the track because the drive modes moved up a notch in the FL5 (FK8 Sport is FL5 Comfort, etc.). You can't get the FK8 comfort mode in the FL5, and that's why everyone reviewing it complains about it. Not that I ever drive in comfort mode. More low RPM torque in the FL5 and better exhaust sound is also nice. Exterior and interior is way better in the FL5. FL5 is a cooler looking car overall, but bigger. That said, I have a 2021 FK8, and there's no way in hell I'd spend way over MSRP for the aforementioned niceties. But if I had a choice between the two, I'd take the FL5. I've got multiple "upgrade to a FL5" letters from the dealership...with the caveat that they suck up my equity in the car at pennies on the dollar to do so. No thanks buddy. And last I checked, you'd be lucky to get a FL5 for 5k over sticker right now. That's the best I've seen on YT to date. More likely 10k plus over. No thanks. But you better get one now before they make you buy an electric Yugo or some shit, so they say.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Fair enough

[@thomas730813]

FL5 is the answer if you dont mind the markup....but i think a FK8 would be a more reasonable choice.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah ttue

[@B33ond]

The price is unfathomable

[@KiwiCarLife]

Is it

[@B33ond]

New review idea: fn2 vs fk8. Why less is more. Sell the fn2 to me 😂

[@warwid5419]

I dont know man.. The maket is really crazy. Here in Canada I see some FK8 with 45k KM's on them going for 50k while the FL5 MSRP starts at 50k here in Canada...

[@KiwiCarLife]

Goodness me not the case here fl5 70k, fk8 around 50

[@warwid5419]

@@KiwiCarLife yeah cuz we dont have stupid markups. Only good thing about living in Canada.

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@warwid5419 nzd though

[@mattlau]

Fl5 is beautiful

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good car

[@akashachari45]

Should do one for a 2014 wrx 👀

[@KiwiCarLife]

Will hopefully do one at some point coz I do like them. Would have to be manual though

[@thatpersiandude7386]

love the fl5 but too damn expensive for me🥲

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah they’re a lot aye

[@stevegonzales527]

In other words, this will be the same review when the next Gen comes out and it just comes down to your favorite design.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Not if the next gen is electric haha

[@sonof69star]

Imo, FL5, especially for its price point, it's an absolute disaster. Looks meek without character and comes across as just a face-lift rather than a new version.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Goodness that’s a controversial opinion!

[@askay747]

I’m thinking of getting FL5 or FK8 LE, FK8 LE costs USD 11K more, which one to go for?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Definitely FL5

[@markmcgrath9098]

There’s a purist in me that finds fake engine noise deeply insulting to the sensibilities. Engineers/marketers who do this should be sentenced working at public toilets.

[@KiwiCarLife]

In all fairness they do it because the engines are so quiet now they are hard to hear at high speeds

[@nfspeedy2]

In fact the FK8 had a slightly shorter gear ratio and a shorter final drive

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I can definitely tell after driving it

[@chrlda6857]

Most importantly: how does it feel overall compared to both your euro-Rs This is after you made your improvements

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh much better obviously haha there’s no comparison

[@Jdm_fl5]

The fk8’s over-styled exterior is the elephant in the room I’ll admit

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah it’s a lot of people’s main complaint

[@theapplesarecoming7781]

FK8 all day everyday 🔥…. FL5 looks like a regular civic LOL

[@KiwiCarLife]

Fair enough

[@shauntan2266]

As a FD2 owner i say FL5 for me if I can afford one 😅

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yeah I’d agree with that

[@alastairmair8719]

Did they add fake engine noise to the face-lift fk8 as my 2019 doesn't have that ?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah they did haha

[@alastairmair8719]

@KiwiCarLife they should of made them with a valvetronic exhaust and problem solved 🤣 first thing I did was replace the exhaust , noise is essential to cars like these 😎

[@Chicken_CS]

Fk8 all day

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good car

[@user-zk6ub1cu1v]

In the market for type R , Im looking at a moded Fk8 or stock FL5

[@KiwiCarLife]

Would recommend both!

[@christopherthompson7443]

Fk8 done.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Good car

[@wax333]

Might be dumb but I also wanna see how the standard civic measures up lol

[@KiwiCarLife]

True might be able to line that up

[@Bazoozoos]

Can you review the gr86

[@KiwiCarLife]

Maybe haha

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Ah, some good old fashion axle tramp.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah especially in the fk8 haha

[@tiduschenable]

Which one do you think will age well?

[@sachinkanji]

both will

[@KiwiCarLife]

FL5 for sure

[@yano9404]

The FL5 look like accord.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Does a bit

[@1anre]

FL5 is definitely a car that would last longer in my garage over the long term.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah agree

[@jaydencarslon3365]

i have a cl9, dream car is fk8 i do like the fl5 is too pricey!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah they’re not cheap aye…

[@nakoma5]

Synthetic engine sound is an automotive sin, especially coming from Honda who made the best sounding engines around.

[@KiwiCarLife]

In all fairness, without it you can’t even hear the engine. Not like the old days anymore sadly

[@nakoma5]

@@KiwiCarLife Sad = (

[@nickmills9265]

Can’t make up my mind, do you suppose you could lend me both for a weekend and then I can get back to you with an answer? 😉

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hahaha

[@divin3kag3242]

fk8 but fd2r over everythang

[@KiwiCarLife]

Fd2 is cool

[@exiattt]

First!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Well done!

[@bign1667]

FK8 = fuck It 😂 FL5 = face lift....5? 🫤

[@KiwiCarLife]

Something like that hah

[@abaj006]

Both missing valve lift on the intake, so both are rubbish.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lol

[@Itsdjsigi]

Both boring cars (previous fk8 owner)

[@KiwiCarLife]

@@Itsdjsigi compared to what?

[@TurtlesandStuff.]

I really wanted an FL5 but sadly they are bringing limited numbers here to the UK at the insane price at £48k, up from £35k for the FK8. Shame, although there are already a bunch on Autotrader and they seem to be selling for what they cost new with delivery miles.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh goodness yeah here they were only 7k nzd more than the fk8, but now they have a $5500 clean car fee. Stupid tree hugging governments

[@dowbowski]

Love my boost blue FL5! Honda finally made me pop the clutch on getting the type R with the sleek, mature styling. 🤌😎

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice man!