New Honda Civic Type R: which rivals does it face?

We will have to wait until early 2023 for the recently announced Honda Civic Type R to reach the market. It is a car that has always been among the most coveted for those looking for a compact capable of delivering genuine driving thrills. It is a species that seems destined for extinction in a world moving toward full electrification. But in the meantime, there is still time to enjoy these genuine “toys”.

The technical specifications of the fourth generation of the Honda Type R have not all been revealed yet, but it is not hard to guess where things are heading. Above all because Honda has already hinted that the engine is an evolution of the one used in the previous generation, the turbocharged 2.0 four-cylinder with 320 CV. It has also been confirmed that the transmission will be manual. So, given this scenario, which cars will the new Type R compete against? Although you might think otherwise, there are already very interesting alternatives on the market. Let’s take a look.

Hyundai i30 N: the Korean sports car

A car we liked a lot, as we told you in our road test. The Civic will probably be more powerful, but the i30 N in Performance version with 280 CV (the standard version stays at 250 CV) is an absolute delight. In addition, you can choose between a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch one that does not diminish the charm of driving, quite the opposite. The front limited-slip differential fitted as standard on the Performance version ensures that traction is never a problem.

Hyundai received aesthetic changes and chassis modifications in mid-last year, further improving driving precision. Starting from around 37,000 euros, it is undoubtedly one of the “roosters” of the henhouse. It is also available in i30 N Fastback bodywork.

Cupra León VZ 300 CV: lots of character

Based on the Seat León, the Cupra León in its most powerful version (the range includes two variants with 245 and 300 CV, as well as plug-in hybrids) is a serious rival for the Civic, especially knowing how Cupra handles chassis tuning on its cars, always managing to shine in efficiency and ease of driving. The engine is the 2.0 TSI four-cylinder, always paired with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

The Cupra León VZ is available from 45,000 euros, and from 54,000 euros in the Cupra León VZ Cup version, which includes, among other elements, specific wheels with high-performance tyres, Brembo brakes, bucket seats or a carbon-fibre rear spoiler.

Volkswagen Golf R: with all-wheel drive

Set aside about 54,000 euros if you want the most “Racing” Golf in your garage: the VW Golf R, of which a special 20th Anniversary version has recently been launched. Its 2.0 four-cylinder engine reaches 320 CV, always paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox… and, as a distinctive feature, the 4Motion all-wheel drive. Though don’t think that takes away from its sportiness. It is also available with estate bodywork.

The new all-wheel drive system features a rear limited-slip differential capable of vectoring torque, and the optional R-Performance package lets you choose between two additional driving modes, one with circuit-specific settings and another that allows controlled drifting.

Renault Mégane R.S.

Keep an eye on the Renault Mégane RS, a model that is still on sale, with a ratio of price to driving fun that is hard to match. The standard version costs 40,000 euros, and the Megane RS Trophy is priced slightly above 43,000 euros. In both cases the engine is a four-cylinder turbo with 300 CV, and the gearbox is an EDC dual-clutch.

A decidedly firm suspension and the Torsen differential on the front axle make it easy to deliver maximum precision when driving on winding roads. And the Trophy version rounds things off with a special chassis setup, more powerful brakes and the option of fitting optional Recaro bucket seats.