Hot hatch promises an evolution of what went before; fans rest easy
Ayisha Gharu Ayisha.Gharu@haymarket.com
SPRING
THE LAUNCH OF a new Honda Civic is always big news for the family car class, but the minds of hot hatch enthusiasts might well be focused on a single, overwhelming thought: the possibility that there’s a new Civic Type R just around the corner.
It was no exception with this 11th-generation Civic, which went on sale in 2022, and fans of the Type R will be pleased that its formula hasn’t been messed with. It uses an updated version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit from the outgoing car, with the power output up from 316bhp to 325bhp. As a result, the new model can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.4sec (down from 5.8sec) and reach 171mph (previously 169mph).
The use of lightweight materials in the car’s construction should help agility, and the new car eschews the four-wheel drive and paddle-shift gearboxes favoured by some rivals, sticking with the front-wheel drive and six-speed manual that are Type R hallmarks.
The new Type R’s looks aren’t as in your face as its predecessor’s (the wheels are actually an inch smaller, at 19in) although it’s hard to overlook its three cannon-sized exhaust pipes and large rear wing.
Inside, meanwhile, red carpets and sports seats, plus a row of LED gearshift lights above the digital instruments, tell you that this is no ordinary Civic, even though it offers the same generous rear leg room and big boot.
The new Type R isn’t cheap, though. Prices have jumped from around £35,000 to a hefty £46,995 – about £4000 more than the four-wheel-drive Volkswagen Golf R, but still less than premium options such as the Audi RS3.
SPRINGMercedes-AMG C63
The next-generation C63
