Honda Civic Type R 1.0 VTEC Turbo 126 S 5dr Review
Category: Hot hatch
Section: Version review

The model
Read full reviewThe Honda Civic Type R offers awesome performance and supreme handling. In fact, it is right up there with the very best hot hatches on sale, including the equally brilliant Toyota GR Yaris, and feels just at home on the track as it does on the road. That's not something that can be said of its less dynamically accomplished rivals, like the Ford Focus ST and Volkswagen Golf GTI. Yet the Type R is also a practical and comfortable everyday car, which is why it's such a consummate all-round package.
The trim
See full equipmentEntry-level S trim isn't worth considering because you don't get a radio or alloy wheels, although you do get air conditioning, digital dials, LED headlights, automatic lights and electric windows. You also get a good crop of safety equipment.
The engine
See full engine specsWe reckon that the 124bhp 1.0 VTEC Turbo petrol engine is all you really need. It delivers perfectly acceptable acceleration for town or motorway driving (officially the 0-62mph dash is ticked off in a reasonable 10.5sec) and it's just as perky as its chief rivals, like the Seat Leon and Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI 110.