Civic Type R
The driver's benchmark in the hot hatch class. Four decades, five generations, one of the most committed FWD platforms ever built.
8 reviewers · 45 videos · 51 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on value.
across 8 reviewers
"I do I believe strongly that this is the most fun I've had for 43 grand"
Throttle House · ▶ 10:59"that makes this a much more expensive proposition in the real world than the golf gti"
JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 25:30Performance
4.5/58 of 8 reviewersstrong consensus“the performance envelope is so wide on this car”
positive · TFLnow · ▶ 8:27“it really genuinely hustles it puts the power down and it pushes you back in the seat and it is exciting”
positive · Throttle House · ▶ 12:02“this is still unbelievably quick you give it a road like this and it will utterly devour it”
mixed · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 12:04Handling
5.0/58 of 8 reviewersstrong consensus“the civic type r is absolutely unshakeable no matter what you ask of it it always seems to have an answer”
positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 17:09“it handles the road the best”
positive · TFLnow · ▶ 2:03“the dampening is really on a completely different level to anything that Honda has made in the past”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 1:28Fun to drive
4.5/58 of 8 reviewersstrong consensus“The transmission is the best I've ever used in any car ever”
positive · TheStraightPipes · ▶ 8:07“there is a fizziness to the type r that just isn't present anymore in most normal vehicles and that's probably my favorite thing about this”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 2:43“this car is always kind of egging you on”
positive · TFLnow · ▶ 18:43Daily drivability
4.0/58 of 8 reviewersstrong consensus“perfect for daily driving”
positive · TheStraightPipes · ▶ 18:55“when it's in comfort it feels like a civic with the exception of the seats”
positive · Regular Car Reviews · ▶ 5:41“not content with already providing an amazing 420 litres of space in the back here better than some suvs i've tested”
mixed · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 6:40Value
4.0/58 of 8 reviewerssplit“I do I believe strongly that this is the most fun I've had for 43 grand”
positive · Throttle House · ▶ 10:59“that makes this a much more expensive proposition in the real world than the golf gti”
critical · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 25:30“just under $35,000 you get all that and rev matching”
positive · TFLnow · ▶ 3:59Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Top Gear
Big UK road test: new Honda Civic Type R Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itA serious, highly effective cross-country device that trades traditional VTEC character for turbocharged speed and track-ready precision.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize track-day capability and raw speed over subtle styling.
- Watch out
- Excessive tyre roar · Polarizing, ostentatious exterior design · Rigid +R mode is too harsh for public roads · High seating position
1,886 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Honda Civic Type R review: the first UK test Reviews 2025 | Top Gear
◆BuyThe new Civic Type R is a masterclass in hot hatch engineering, combining ruthless performance with newfound daily refinement.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who need a daily driver that can handle track work and rough roads.
- Watch out
- Aggressive, polarizing styling · Functional but busy aero design
1,524 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
First Drive: Honda Civic 2.0 VTEC Turbo Type R GT Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itDespite reservations about its polarizing styling, the Civic Type R is a massively fast, highly capable, and genuinely exciting hot hatch that carves out its own unique niche.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize track-ready performance and mechanical engagement over understated aesthetics.
- Watch out
- Polarizing, aggressive exterior styling · Excessive tyre roar on coarse surfaces · Turbo lag at low RPM · Stiff ride quality · Limited steering wheel adjustment due to dash layout
2,524 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Honda Civic Type R Sport Line review: the wingless, ‘subtle’ super-hatch Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itDespite the questionable 'subtle' styling tweaks, the Civic Type R remains a world-class driver's car that is now slightly more usable on public roads.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a world-class driving experience and prefer a slightly less aggressive aesthetic.
- Watch out
- Poor infotainment system · Clashing interior color scheme · Limited availability due to factory closure
1,468 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Honda Civic Type R (2017-2021) Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe FK8 Civic Type R is a masterclass in front-wheel-drive performance, offering a perfect balance of track-ready precision and daily usability.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a high-performance daily driver that excels on a track.
- Watch out
- Performance can be difficult to fully exploit on public roads · Less playful than some rivals at low speeds
1,100 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Honda Civic Type R review: mad 316bhp hot hatch tested Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆BuyThe new Civic Type R is a masterclass in front-wheel-drive performance, successfully blending track-day intensity with daily usability.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a highly capable track car that can also handle the daily commute.
- Watch out
- Disjointed interior design · Dated infotainment graphics · Lack of pedal feel at the top of the brake travel
1,677 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Honda Civic Type R Interior Layout & Technology | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe Civic Type R offers an exceptional driver-focused cockpit and impressive practicality, though it is let down by dated infotainment graphics and some cost-cutting in the rear cabin.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who need a daily driver that can also handle family duties.
- Watch out
- Dated infotainment graphics · Cheap-looking shift-up lights · Basic rear passenger area · No rear armrest
892 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Honda Civic Type R Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe Civic Type R is a masterclass in front-wheel-drive engineering, offering a perfect blend of daily comfort and track-focused precision.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a manual, front-drive hot hatch that is as usable on the commute as it is rewarding on a B-road.
- Watch out
- road noise at cruise · traction limitations in wet weather
1,253 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Honda Civic Type R (2017-2021) Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe FK8 Civic Type R is a spectacular, engineer-focused hot hatch that stands as a pinnacle of its era.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize driving precision and mechanical engagement over subtle styling.
- Watch out
- Divisive, aggressive styling · Limited Edition model is highly collectible and expensive
1,337 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time