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If there’s any automotive that wants no introduction, it is the Honda Civic Type R.
In the practically 30 years that Honda has produced its iconic scorching hatch, the Civic Type R has amassed fairly the fanbase of petrol-heads globally. The present FL5-series is the newest iteration, and it occurs to be probably the most excessive instance ever.
It’s probably the most highly effective, produces probably the most downforce, and has the most important physique, but it surely’s additionally the most costly manufacturing Civic Type R to this point. That hasn’t affected its reputation, although, which brings us to the elephant within the room.
If you are in Australia, you possibly can’t really purchase one new out of your native Honda showroom, at the very least not proper now. FL5 provide has been sporadic at finest since its introduction in early 2023, as Honda Australia has solely been in a position to safe small batches of some hundred models once in a while.
Orders opened for the newest allocation in July 2026, and all 98 examples have been snapped up very quickly. It’s unknown when extra will likely be out there for buy in Australia once more, however Honda has mentioned it is assured there will likely be at the very least another batch coming right here.
However, there may be excellent news. Plenty of used examples are at the moment on the market privately and at sellers, and since there have been no actual updates to the present Type R because it was launched, you will not be lacking out on a lot efficiency in the event you purchase one which’s a couple of years previous. Prices for such automobiles aren’t too obscene, both.
That mentioned, an replace was simply revealed for the US, however we do not know whether or not it’s going to come to Australia as a part of the following batch of Type Rs, if it arrives. Some of the tools launched in that US-market replace was already included in earlier Australian-delivered automobiles, except for recalibrated suspension, improved auto rev-matching, improved brake really feel, added entrance downforce, and heated seats.
Still, the Civic Type R you see on check right here is basically indicative of what you will get in a used FL5. In truth, our press automotive is definitely a 2024 mannequin with greater than 8000km beneath its belt, courtesy of varied Australian media shops.
So, is the Civic Type R nonetheless the front-wheel drive scorching hatch king?
How a lot does the Honda Civic value?
Prices have stayed regular since the newest batch of Type Rs arrived Down Under in February 2026, dropping solely $500 for the July allocation. It now prices $85,000 drive-away, a cool $12,400 greater than when it was launched in 2023.
| Model | Drive-away worth |
|---|---|
| 2027 Honda Civic e:HEV L | $49,900 |
| 2027 Honda Civic e:HEV LX | $55,900 |
| 2027 Honda Civic Type R | $85,000 |
That comfortably locations it among the many costliest scorching hatches on sale domestically. Fellow Asian options embrace the all-wheel drive Toyota GR Corolla GTS at $67,990 earlier than on-road prices and the front-drive Hyundai i30 N at $52,500 plus on-roads, each geared up with manuals. Of course, there are a number of auto-only European rivals as effectively.
The Volkswagen Golf R prices $71,990 plus ORCs, and the BMW M135 xDrive prices $85,500 plus ORCs, however each of these fashions are all-wheel drive and automatic-only, as are the Audi S3 Sportback ($78,800 plus ORCs), Audi RS3 Sportback ($104,800 plus ORCs), and Mercedes-AMG A45S ($122,500 plus ORCs).
The most comparable front-drive Euro scorching hatch hatch is the Cupra Leon VZx at $64,990 plus ORCs.
To see how the Honda Civic stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What is the Honda Civic like on the within?
It’s instantly clear that Honda has put real effort and time into bettering the areas of the cabin that matter in a efficiency automotive, and left the remaining trying simply as mature and tasteful as within the common Civic.
The key inside drawcards particular to the Type R are the seats, steering wheel and, in consequence, normal ergonomics. It’s fairly troublesome to disregard the brilliant crimson sports activities buckets up entrance, so let’s begin there.
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These are simply among the many most aggressive seats fitted to any commuter-based efficiency mannequin – way more so than the GR Corolla and Golf R, for instance – and the Type R is all the higher for it.
Your physique stays firmly caught inside the seat’s exaggerated bolstering, permitting you to give attention to driving as a substitute of expending mind and muscle energy attempting to maintain your self from sliding about.
In truth, the seat-base bolsters are so giant that it is noticeably more durable to get out and in of the Type R than the conventional Civic. The automotive’s decrease trip peak additionally contributes to this, however hey, we’re not complaining – the tip product is effectively definitely worth the minor inconvenience.
Then there’s the ‘suede-style’ seat upholstery, which is way grippier than leather-based however comes at the price of seat heating. That is not a dealbreaker, and it clearly demonstrates simply how targeted the Type R is in comparison with its efficiency rivals.
What’s much less shocking is the dearth of steering wheel heating, a normal Civic characteristic eliminated for the Type R. That’s due to the unusual Alcantara wrap, which heralds this automotive’s sporting intent alongside the crimson background of the Honda emblem.
The wheel is sweet to carry, and its giant diameter makes the automotive really feel all of the extra substantial. Mind you, the Alcantara trim is much less sturdy than leather-based and requires additional care to keep up. Our tester’s wheel was already exhibiting indicators of shininess at 9 and three o-clock with roughly 8500km on the odometer.
Still, the wheel contributes to the automotive’s sensible ergonomics. It actually feels such as you sit ‘in’ the automotive reasonably than ‘on’ it, with the entrance seats nestled extremely low within the cabin. Combine that with the excessive sprint and tall-ish centre console and there is a true cockpit expertise right here.
Nothing feels too far-off, and the stubby handbook shifter falls properly at hand. It’s price noting the steel shift knob will get each freezing chilly when left in a single day and scorching scorching when parked within the solar, although it is weighty and in any other case satisfying to work together with.
Additionally, the steel plate on the centre console not solely enhances the shift knob but additionally creates a focal point for the remainder of the cabin. It’s a bit of glitz amid a sea of black and crimson, serving to the Type R really feel genuinely particular alongside the crimson seats and carpet.
Beyond that, the gadgets carried over from the common Civic make this automotive simpler to dwell with. The clicky buttons on the steering wheel and centre console are nice, as are the notchy local weather dials and enormous vent adjusters inside that hexagonal grille mesh.
Then there’s the tech, which very a lot embodies Honda’s usually subdued type and due to this fact is not notably flashy. Instead, it is practical and clear.
The 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen perched atop the dashboard is a transparent instance of this. It’s not solely unobtrusive, but it surely’s snappy sufficient and simple to know – we might argue this is a perfect system for such a automotive no matter whether or not others might want one thing extra space-age.
Granted, its native graphics are very fundamental, but it surely affords dependable wi-fi Apple CarPlay as normal – Android Auto is wired-only. This display screen can also be the place you will discover the LogR information app, which helps you to hold monitor of all car information and even lap occasions whenever you hit the monitor.
The 10.2-inch digital instrument show backs up this performance-minded character. Its look is tied to drive modes, with most ‘regular’ modes presenting a digitised two-gauge show that is practically similar to that of a standard Civic.
Things get much more thrilling in +R mode. This switches to a horizontal rev counter with an enormous gear indicator – normally a very powerful focus factors on-track – and attracts consideration to the F1-style shift lights above. As boy-racer as this may occasionally look, it is nonetheless very cool.
For the extra sensibly minded folks, there’s nonetheless a lot to love concerning the Type R’s cabin. We’ve already talked about Honda’s high-quality inside controls, but it surely’s additionally commendable that this efficiency automotive remains to be appropriately sensible.
Not solely does it really feel spacious in comparison with one thing like a GR Corolla, however there’s additionally a cushty variety of storage choices. Most helpful are the central cupholders, mounted low to keep away from bottles impeding your left arm when shifting, and the rubberised wi-fi cellphone charger with little limitations to maintain your gadget in place.
There’s a small cubby beneath the padded but vaguely awkward central armrest, which you will discover is cupped out to create space for the cupholders. You additionally get a passenger-side glovebox and bottle holders within the doorways.
Rounding issues out are a pair of USB-A ports and a 12V outlet under the local weather controls, and in typical Honda style, construct high quality is excellent. Even our comparatively high-mileage tester was comfortably rattle-free.
The second row is relatively spartan, with solely bottle slots and cupholders as facilities. Unlike the Civic hybrid, the Type R is a four-seater, and the plastic holes within the center seat deter you from sneakily packing in a fifth occupant. The 3D-print-like texture of the plastic seatbacks can also be a bit odd.
There’s at the very least an affordable quantity of house for rear occupants so far as small automobiles go, and the bench is appointed in black suede with crimson stitching and seatbelts. The solely difficulty is that the 2 seating positions aren’t very sculpted, which suggests occupants will likely be thrown about throughout spirited driving.
The Civic’s liftback hatch permits for a deep boot with loads of house. There is not actually something outstanding right here, aside from that it is among the many largest amongst small efficiency automobiles, the rear seatbacks fold nearly flat to create an enormous cargo maintain, and there is not any spare wheel.
Other than that, the one factor we might just like the Type R to have is a greater sound system. Once you are used to the Bose system within the regular Civics, the unbranded system on this $85,000 automotive is underwhelming, even for a efficiency automotive. Thank goodness every little thing else is finished so brilliantly.
| Dimensions | Honda Civic Type R |
|---|---|
| Length | 4606mm |
| Width | 1890mm |
| Height | 1407mm |
| Wheelbase | 2735mm |
| Cargo capability | 410L (rear seats up) 1212L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Honda Civic stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Powering the Type R is Honda’s venerable ‘K20C1’ engine, a high-revving turbocharged DOHC 2.0-litre petrol 4 with VTEC exhaust cam phasing. It produces 235kW of energy and 420Nm of torque, with drive despatched completely via a six-speed handbook transmission to the entrance wheels in conventional Type R style.
| Specifications | Honda Civic Type R |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Power | 235kW |
| Torque | 420Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed handbook |
| Drive sort | Front-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 1429kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.4 seconds |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | 8.7L/100km |
| Fuel financial system (as examined) | 9.3L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 47L |
| Fuel requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 199g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6b |
Our week with the Type R primarily concerned freeway commuting, but additionally the requisite share of spirited driving. By phase requirements, our recorded gasoline financial system was nonetheless first rate.
To see how the Honda Civic stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How does the Honda Civic drive?
The Type R stays probably the most versatile efficiency automobiles on sale.
Yes, that sentiment carried extra weight when it was some $13,000 cheaper and due to this fact extra attainable as an all-rounder, however the increased worth hasn’t modified its on-road behaviour.
Pushing the red-accented begin button fires the feisty 2.0-litre powerplant into an offended but mature chilly idle. It definitely feels like a high-performance four-banger ought to from contained in the automotive, although we do want its enormous triple-exit exhaust made a bit extra noise outdoors.
On the street, probably the most fast impression is how straightforward the Type R is to be taught. Regardless of your earlier handbook transmission expertise, you shouldn’t have any drawback studying the clutch chew level, shifter motion, and throttle response – it is really easy to drive easily proper off the bat.
Intuitive is not usually a phrase that involves thoughts with ‘high-performance’ manuals, which makes the Type R all of the extra spectacular.
Some may additionally be shocked to search out the clutch pedal motion comparatively mild. It avoids the meaty, mechanical motion of older efficiency automobiles and as a substitute has a extra direct, low-effort character which completely matches the automotive’s general package deal.
As does the shifter, which could be very notchy with a brief throw. It feels good and optimistic, permitting it to be rapidly ‘flicked’ between gears and including to this automotive’s approachable nature. It additionally affords very effectively calibrated computerized rev-matching on downshifts, which is nice if you cannot be bothered heel-toeing your self.
If you do choose the old school method, the auto throttle-blipping perform can simply be disabled through the touchscreen. That exposes the sharp throttle calibration, which not solely makes downshifts much less of a chore, but additionally makes delicate inputs far simpler.
That’s vital in a front-wheel drive automotive with this a lot energy. The Type R does not reply effectively to lead-footedness, as it is simple to interrupt traction on the entrance tyres, particularly within the moist. This could be the best technique to bounce off the redline, but it surely is not notably environment friendly for acceleration, gasoline consumption, or tyre life.
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Still, it is simple sufficient to modulate, and throttle response is extra docile in Comfort mode, which is good for each day commuting as a result of every little thing turns into only a bit friendlier.
Along with the throttle pedal map, it softens the adaptive dampers as a lot as potential, one thing you will come to understand the extra time you spend behind the wheel.
There’s no escaping the actual fact this automotive rides extremely firmly. It’s nearly habitable in Comfort mode, however extra mature folks will little question choose one thing a bit extra compliant. But that firmness brings a excessive stage of roadholding and agility in corners, in addition to straight-line stability, inspiring confidence in each circumstances.
Likewise, the steering all the time errs on the heavier facet and feels direct in regular driving. It will get heavier in Sport mode, but additionally extra communicative, hinting at what’s nonetheless to return.
Everything actually kicks off whenever you hit the devoted +R button. This is de facto the Type R’s ‘monitor mode’, the place the throttle is extremely sharp, the suspension is extraordinarily agency, and the steering feels heavier and far more direct than earlier than.
The consequence is among the most rewarding scorching hatch experiences you will get in any new automotive. The Type R’s cornering grip is borderline unimaginable, instilling nice confidence as you begin to choose up the tempo.
Its rear-end will pivot into turns, offering loads of lift-off oversteer like several front-driven scorching hatch ought to, and its sharp front-end is legitimately excellent in the way in which it bites into the street, straightens up the automotive, and sends it precisely the place you level it.
It makes sharp-ish country-road bends utterly easy, to the purpose the place physique roll by some means turns into a international idea, and you would like you’d tackled that final nook more durable.
You’re unlikely to run into critical understeer in the event you aren’t too foolish, and torque steer is effectively managed even beneath wide-open throttle antics mid-corner. You will not discover greater than a touch of tyre slip in the event you speed up onerous whereas turning, however the automotive nonetheless responds finest to endurance and measured pedal inputs.
The +R mode additionally brings adjustments inside. The instrument show switches to an F1-inspired format with crimson accents and an enormous gear ratio indicator, whereas pronounced synthesised engine noise comes via the audio system, which we might do with out.
Truthfully, it is practically inconceivable to get probably the most out of the Type R on public roads, whether or not you are eager on preserving your licence or not. This stage of cornering traction begs you to hold loads of velocity out of turns, and it takes critical self-control to not give in with a wholesome dose of throttle, even when it is simply to really feel that turbo/VTEC rush.
But that is the place the flexibility theme comes again into play. While the engine definitely does its finest work at excessive RPMs, you do not have to drive the Type R at 9/10ths to take pleasure in it, as a result of it is nonetheless comparatively tractable and the enjoyable shifter motion and unbelievable brakes are constants whatever the driving circumstances.
Further, the sporty seats are so supportive and well-bolstered that it all the time feels such as you’re in a race automotive, but with out the compromised outright consolation. Keep in thoughts, the front-seat bolstering is method higher than that within the second row, so individuals within the again will likely be hanging on for pricey life in the event you choose up the cornering tempo.
The solely actual concern is that the +R suspension setting is way too agency for regular driving.
It’s uncomfortably crashy, and actually finest reserved for easy racetracks. Funnily sufficient, general consolation in +R mode is among the key enhancements of that US-market replace, together with recalibrated rev-matching on downshifts – by some means making them even smoother than they already have been, apparently.
Perhaps it is Australia’s shoddy roads that exacerbate the +R mode’s stiffness, as a result of some bumps and divots we encountered in regional Victoria genuinely felt like they might do some actual harm to the Type R with out due care. The toned-down Sport mode usually handles public roads a bit higher.
Refinement is also higher. Road noise is the primary concern, as the skinny rubber on the 19-inch alloys does no favours for sound insulation, or trip consolation for that matter.
It’s very boomy on coarse-chip street surfaces, which once more has us wanting a greater sound system to chop via the roar. It’s price remembering that rivals just like the GR Corolla and M135 have higher audio setups: JBL for Toyota and Harman Kardon for BMW.
But it is a scorching hatch par excellence and these are nitpicks in what’s in any other case a superb driving expertise. The Type R feels superbly balanced between old-school brashness and modern-day savviness, with a subdued rawness preserved by the tasteful, measured inclusion of some welcome technological aptitude.
And, as with the inside, there are nonetheless loads of positives from the common Civic hatch current right here. Outward visibility stays wonderful – even with the massive wing on the again – and there is simply sufficient unintrusive security gear that will help you alongside. The high quality of the reversing digicam nonetheless leaves so much to be desired, although.
All informed, the Type R remains to be a superb factor to drive.
To see how the Honda Civic stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
There are three variants within the 2026 Honda Civic lineup.
2027 Honda Civic e:HEV L tools highlights:
- Hybrid powertrain
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres
- Tyre restore equipment
- Auto LED headlights
- LED tail-lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-folding heated facet mirrors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with gloss-black trim
- Heated steering wheel
- Synthetic leather-based/fabric seat upholstery
- Manual entrance seat adjustment
- 2-way powered driver’s seat lumbar help
- Heated entrance seats
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Google built-in
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- Bluetooth
- Google Maps
- DAB+ digital radio
- Honda related providers
- 4 x USB-C ports
- 12-speaker Bose sound system
- Dual-zone local weather management
- Rear privateness glass
- 4 drive modes:
-
- Econ
- Normal
- Sport
- Individual
- Keyless entry
Civic e:HEV LX provides:
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Chrome third steering wheel spoke
- Leather-appointed upholstery and inside accents
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 4-way power-adjustable entrance passenger seat
- 2-way powered entrance passenger seat lumbar help
- Wireless cellphone charger
- Panoramic sunroof
Civic Type R highlights:
- Turbo-petrol powertrain
- 6-speed handbook transmission with auto rev-matching
- 19-inch black alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
- Adaptive dampers
- Limited-slip differential
- Brembo 4-piston entrance brake calipers
- Gloss-black entrance splitter, facet skirts, rear diffuser
- Gloss-black rear wing
- Bonnet scoop
- Central triple exhaust outlet
- Red Honda badges
- Red carpets, seatbelts
- Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with crimson stitching
- Red suede-style front-seat upholstery
- Manually adjustable Type R sports activities bucket seats
- Black suede-style rear-seat upholstery
- Alloy shift knob, sports activities pedals
- LogR information logger
- 8-speaker sound system
- Type R-specific drive modes:
The Type R misses out on powered entrance seat adjustment, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, Bose sound system, and a panoramic sunroof, amongst different gadgets.
To see how the Honda Civic stacks up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the Honda Civic protected?
Civic e:HEV variants have a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on Euro NCAP testing performed in 2022, however that rating doesn’t apply to the Type R, which is due to this fact unrated.
| Category | Honda Civic (e:HEV solely) |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Vulnerable street consumer safety | 82 per cent |
| Safety help | 83 per cent |
Standard security tools highlights:
- 11 airbags, incl:
-
- Front
- Front knee
- Front facet
- Rear facet
- Centre
- Curtain
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane-centring
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keep help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing digicam
- Traffic jam help
- Traffic signal recognition
The Type R has solely eight airbags.
To see how the Honda Civic s