Skip advert
Advertisement

Honda Civic Type R - best hot hatchbacks

Boy racer looks won't suit all tastes, but the Honda Civic Type R is sharper than ever

Honda Civic Type R - rear

Honda has a history of making VTEC performance engines that make all their real power at the top end. While this approach works well on a racetrack, they’ve suffered when compared to engines with greater mid-range punch, which often deliver more flexible performance on the road.

But the Honda Civic Type R solves that problem with a 2.0-litre VTEC-equipped four-cylinder engine with a meaty turbocharger strapped to it. The result 316bhp and 400Nm of torque with a load of mid-range performance, enough to see the Civic Type R crack 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 169mph. To put that into perspective, Honda claims the Type R will complete a hot lap of the Nurburgring faster than a Lamborghini Gallardo.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Honda Civic Type R review

With a lovely satisfying short-throw gearshift, and a +R button that stiffens the  dampers by 30 per cent, increases throttle response and makes the steering heavier, the Type R has the handling and feel to take on the best of its front-wheel-drive hot hatch rivals.

The downside is a ride that’s always firm, although not crashy or jarring, and that may be enough to put some potential ‘daily drivers’ off the Type R. Others will love the car for its uncompromising feel and aggressive styling; indeed, its overall performance earned it our ‘Hot Hatch of the Year’ prize at the 2018 New Car Awards.

Top 10 best hot hatchbacks 

  1. 1. Honda Civic Type R
  2. 2. Ford Fiesta ST
  3. 3. Renault Megane RS
  4. 4. MINI Cooper S
  5. 5. Hyundai i30 N
  6. 6. Volkswagen Golf GTI
  7. 7. SEAT Leon Cupra
  8. 8. Audi RS 3
  9. 9. BMW M140i
  10. 10. Skoda Octavia vRS
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best track day cars to buy 2024
Best track day cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Best track day cars to buy 2024

Whether you're looking to shave tenths off your lap time or simply want to have fun on track, these are some of the UK's best track cars
4 Mar 2024
Best new car deals 2024
Best new car deals - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new car deals 2024

Thinking of buying a new car? These are some of the best new car deals on the market right now…
26 Jan 2024
Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2024
Best hot hatchbacks - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best hot hatchbacks to buy 2024

The best hot hatches offer giant-killing performance and a gripping drive, all wrapped in a user-friendly package
25 Jan 2024
Best used hot hatchbacks 2024
Best used hot hatchbacks - header image
Best cars & vans

Best used hot hatchbacks 2024

Our picks for the best used hot hatchbacks in the UK
12 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: classy Audi A4 Avant estate plus 8,000 miles per year for less than £300 a month
Audi A4 Avant driving on UK roads
News

Car Deal of the Day: classy Audi A4 Avant estate plus 8,000 miles per year for less than £300 a month

Our Deal of the Day for 27 March is for those who want a big trunk for all their junk
27 Mar 2024