Honda Civic Type R vs SEAT Leon Cupra & Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy

Sales of hot hatchbacks took a nosedive after the global financial crisis, but high-performance family cars are now making a comeback, and their popularity is most definitely on the up. 

• Best hot hatchbacks

After a five-year wait, Honda is back in the ring with its new Civic Type R, and it’s spoiling for a fight against the best in the sector.

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There are some big changes underneath that mean this hot Honda now has the firepower to potentially beat the best, including a new, more powerful 2.0-litre turbo. 

However, it faces a tough challenge in the form of our reigning hot hatch champion – the SEAT Leon Cupra – and the old-school favourite, the Renaultsport Mégane seen here in 275 Trophy guise.

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Usable thrills are what the current crop delivers, and on the face of things the Civic Type R has the practicality to match its blistering real-world performance and agile handling. 

However, at £29,995 for the standard model, it’s more expensive than both rivals we’ve lined up. So, can the Honda’s extra on-paper pace and versatile cabin edge it ahead of the competition?

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We put the hot hatch trio to the test on road and track to find out...

• Honda Civic Type R review

• SEAT Leon Cupra review

• Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy review

Click the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to see which hot hatch comes out on top...

Head-to-head

Track focus

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Performance modes are the current trend. SEAT’s switchable Drive Profiles (above) let you tailor the different settings, but with no data readouts. Honda’s +R mode is less customisable yet provides extra info, including a 0-62mph timer. And Renault’s RS Monitor gives performance readouts such as cornering g-force.

’Ring record

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SEAT started the hot hatch war with its Nürburgring lap record of 7:58.12, which Renault’s 275 then knocked four seconds off. Honda has now shattered this with a blistering 7:50.63 time, making it the fastest front-wheel- drive hatch to lap the track.

Styling

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Looks are subjective, but the Honda’s eye-popping design may be a bit much for some. The Renault and SEAT are more reserved – although in the case of the Trophy, only just. Swap white for black contrast details on the Leon, and it looks even better.

Verdict

1st place: SEAT Leon Cupra

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SEAT’s hold over the hot hatch class continues, thanks to the Leon Cupra’s huge spread of ability. In some areas the others may be more focused, but the figures don’t lie: the Cupra is still sensationally fast. It feels alive to drive, too, and responds to your inputs faithfully to inspire huge confidence. Settle down to a leisurely pace and it’s the easiest to live with. Plus, its price advantage seals the deal.

2nd place: Honda Civic Type R

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Outright power isn’t enough to knock the SEAT off the top spot. However, the new Civic Type R is a resounding success and has been worth the wait. It mixes devilish speed with surprising practicality, but falls short in a few areas. Its styling will divide opinion, it isn’t as well equipped and it can’t match the SEAT’s comfort – but on a twisty road it’s devastatingly effective.

3rd place: Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy

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The Mégane RS has aged nicely. Its chassis is as sweet as ever and delivers a brawny hot hatch experience laden with feel. However, costly options are needed to keep up with rivals, so combined with lower economy, steeper depreciation, poorer practicality and a more dated interior, the Renault finishes third. The margin isn’t massive, but rivals are starting to edge further ahead.

Coming soon…

Ford Focus RS

Due: 2016  Price: £30,000 (est.) Engine: 2.3-litre 4cyl, 345bhp

With similar pricing, plus more power and four-wheel drive, Ford’s new range-topping Focus RS could upstage the Civic Type R when it hits dealers next year. It’ll also offer the practicality of a five-door layout.

Key specs: