The Honda Civic Type R has already shown on more occasions that it is a sports compact that one should not take lightly. And everything indicates that its latest generation fulfills its promise at the expense of proving it, and logically that role has a price. A price specifically of 54,850 euros in the Spanish market, a price that is in line with that of its rivals but that makes it clear that hot hatchbacks like the new Civic Type R are not suitable, far from it, for most pockets.
And it is that we are talking about figures in which, until not long ago, cars like the Audi RS3, the BMW M2 or even the Alpine A110 moved today. But what are the arguments for the Honda Civic Type R to reach that threshold? We are going to dig into them because, although the last generation was not cheap at all, it goes up the ranks considerably.
Almost 55,000 euros cost the new Honda Civic Type R in Spain
Let’s go with his most weighty argument: mechanics. On this occasion, the compact Japanese uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 330 hp and 420 Nm of torquefigures that are sent solely and exclusively to the front axle and that are managed by means of a six-speed manual gearbox luckily for the most purists.
The aesthetic section is in tune with a considerable size spoiler, a diffuser that houses a triple exhaust outlet, sills, splitter and 19-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. The interior of the Type R also comes with sports cut seats upholstered in red -you cannot choose another color for the upholstery- Alcantara steering wheel, aluminum pedals and lever knob and menus for the infotainment system and dashboard specific to this version.
To this we must add the presence of two package options such as the Carbon Pack and the Lighting Pack. The first of them is responsible for dressing the spoiler, center console and sills in carbon fiber. The second, for its part, incorporates red LED ambient lights as well as external projectors that draw the “Type R” logo on the ground.
However, what is the position of the Honda Civic Type R in the increasingly expensive segment of sporty compacts? On the one hand we find models of similar power but with all-wheel drive, such as the Golf R available from 56,615 euros, the Audi S3 for 57,230 euros or the Mercedes-AMG A 35 that goes further with a price of 64,725 euros.
If we focus on front-wheel drive alternatives, the numbers relax a bit. And it is that there we find options such as the CUPRA León VZ for 45,455 euros, the Hyundai i30 N for 38,450 euros or the Golf GTI Clubsport for 51,020 euros. Considering what the new Civic Type R offers and the price of its rivals, Are the almost 55,000 euros that it costs in Spain really justified?
The truth is that it is a query that each one will have to do with their tastes, preferences and, above all, wallet. Everything indicates that the Honda Civic Type R will become the fastest front-wheel drive compact at the Nürburgring, a title that will have to take away from the current holder, the Renault Mégane RS Trophy-R and its 7:40.100 minutes.
Be that as it may, it does not have to be a compelling reason that the Honda Civic Type R is the fastest compact to get hold of it, but it can be for the brand to ask for the 54,850 euros that it costs in Spain. Now all that remains is to put ourselves at its controls to find out if its set-up deserves such an outlay.
