Honda Civic Type R (07-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 25 March 2009
While many hot hatches are aiming for headline grabbing power figures, Honda has stuck to the basic principles of driver appeal for the Civic Type-R. It boasts 200bhp from a non-turbocharged engine, which is fairly modest when compared to rivals like the Ford Focus ST or SEAT Leon Cupra. However the Type-R is the most involving and rewarding performance hatchback on the market thanks to it's light weight, razor-sharp steering and a perfectly balanced chassis. That engine does need to be worked hard though and with a firm ride the Type-R is an uncompromising car. It's not as rounded as some rivals and not particularly easy to live with day to day, but for unadulterated driving fun it's very much a modern car with an old school hot hatch feel.
4.5 out of 5

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4.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£18,300 - £24,990

Used price range:

£7,249 - £16,407

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Sporty engine note, sharp handling, spacious interior, striking looks

Firm ride, frantic driving experience, engine has to be worked hard

While many hot hatches are aiming for headline grabbing power figures, Honda has stuck to the basic principles of driver appeal for the Civic Type-R. It boasts 200bhp from a non-turbocharged engine, which is fairly modest when compared to rivals like the Ford Focus ST or SEAT Leon Cupra. However the Type-R is the most involving and rewarding performance hatchback on the market thanks to it's light weight, razor-sharp steering and a perfectly balanced chassis. That engine does need to be worked hard though and with a firm ride the Type-R is an uncompromising car. It's not as rounded as some rivals and not particularly easy to live with day to day, but for unadulterated driving fun it's very much a modern car with an old school hot hatch feel.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "Honda has carried over the 2.0-litre engine from the previous Civic Type R with a few tweaks to make..."

  • Handling

    5 out of 5

    "The Type R's suspension is based on that of the standard Civic, but it is lower and has a wider..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "The Type-R is certainly more refined than its predecessor but compared to a Golf or Focus it lags..."

  • Practicality

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Type-R offers superb luggage space with a 485 litre capacity - that's 100-litres more than the..."

  • Equipment

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Type-R comes in two trim levels - standard and GT. The standard car comes with 18-inch alloy..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Type-R's interior is similar to the standard Civic but adds some sporty features such as an..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "With prices undercutting the Ford Focus ST and even the GT version priced lower than the Vauxhall..."

  • Green credentials

    2 out of 5

    "The Type-R is quite a polluting model but that's no surprise given that it is a hot hatch. It emits..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Civic only scored four stars in the Euro NCAP crash test ratings at a time when most..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "Honda has an excellent reputation for reliability and claims to have never had a failure on one of..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "It's worth going for the GT version unless you're on a budget, as although it carries a £1,000..."

  • Buying used

    4 out of 5

    "The Civic Type R has a strong following in the UK, so expect to pay top prices for used models. A..."

  • Selling

    4 out of 5

    "A GT will be easier to sell thanks to its extra equipment levels, although the standard car should..."

Gallery

  • Interior Honda Civic Type R (07-10)
  • Exterior Honda Civic Type R (07-10)
  • Exterior Honda Civic Type R (07-10)
  • Exterior Honda Civic Type R (07-10)

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