The Civic Type R is the ultimate hot hatch, offering both practicality and performance. In this day and age, a small performance vehicle with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive is a rare gem, making the Civic Type R even more compelling.
The hot hatch segment has a few contenders, including the Volkswagen Golf R and Toyota GR Corolla, and the Civic Type R holds its own among them by combining performance with everyday usability in a way that few other cars can.
The Civic Type R might not be the quickest compared to its AWD competitors, the Volkswagen Golf R and Toyota GR Corolla, but it’s just fun to drive. While the numbers don’t do it justice, it still has a decent 0-100 km/h time of 5.6 seconds. The Type R is powered by the same engine as its previous generation, a turbocharged 2L four-cylinder engine from the previous generation. However, this one is tweaked to offer a bit more power at 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Handling is one of the main selling points of the Type R, making this FWD hatch a joy around corners. It handles well, and the steering feels responsive with a lot of road feedback. The Type R also does a terrific job of minimizing torque steer, which is what front-wheel drive vehicles struggle with under hard acceleration.
While the new Civic Type R has matured a bit and isn’t as flashy as the old one, it still features a large rear wing and other aerodynamic enhancements that make it stand out in a crowd. It also comes with 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires, which are the go-to for most performance vehicles.
The interior of the Civic Type R is pretty much identical to the regular Civic, which is great since the Civic has a great interior. However there are a few differences, first is the bright red bucket seats, red carpeting, and the 6-speed manual gearbox. The seats are comfortable and snug you tightly, and sit low like a sports car. The red carpeting adds to the sporty feel and makes it feel different from a regular Civic, elevating that sporty theme, and the 6-speed gearbox completes the interior.
As with the Regular Civic, the Type R’s infotainment system is positioned high on the dashboard, making it easy to keep your eyes on the road. The infotainment is powered by a 9″ touchscreen that’s responsive to touch inputs and offers wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the audio, a Bose system comes standard and delivers excellent sound quality.
The advanced driver aids in the Civic Type R work well and is carried over from the regular Civic. Common features like blind-spot warning, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance enhance safety during everyday driving without being intrusive. The adaptive cruise control system is a great addition, especially considering the manual transmission. However, it doesn’t work in stop-and-go traffic.
The Type R, built on the Civic hatchback platform, has impressive cargo space. It offers 695L of cargo space which is the best in the segment and more than what a lot of the competitors offer. This makes the Civic Type R practical for daily use and capable of handling larger items with ease.
Inside, the Type R also offers excellent storage options, including door pockets, a large center console, and a slot beneath the climate controls. Despite being a performance vehicle, the Type R maintains the Civic’s reputation for practicality, providing a versatile space for both passengers and everyday essentials.
