Too pricey to compete? Honda's new Civic Type R vs hot hatch rivals

The Honda Civic Type R is back for another crack at the hot hatch crown, but this time it’s asking a little more of prospective buyers than its last generation.

With relatively divisive styling but highly praised driving dynamics and ability, the Civic Type R as introduced by Honda a few years ago had few rivals that could match it. But that was back when it cost a little more than $50,000 to put one in the driveway.

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Now, or in February 2023 more specifically, Honda is asking a $72,600 drive-away price for its halo hot hatch. Does a price jump that brutal make its closest two competitors, the Hyundai i30 N and the Volkswagen Golf R more appealing offers?

Let’s start with the Volkswagen, which is rather close in price at $65,990 before on-road costs in hatchback form.

Where the Honda’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder puts all of its 235kW/420Nm to the front wheels, via a six-speed manual transmission, the Volkswagen’s same-sized engine makes a close 235kW/400Nm and puts power to all four wheels.

This means the Golf is quicker off the line, with a 4.8-second 0-100km/h claimed time, where we’d expect to see the Civic hit mid-5s on a good day. 

The Golf’s other strength lies in it being close to a daily-driving city hatchback in its design and engineering (areas like its suspension and features), while the Civic Type R isn’t expected to be quite as subtle in terms of its visual design, even if it’s a little toned down from its predecessor.

Also unsubtle in some ways is the other rival the Civic will have to contend with, the far less expensive Hyundai i30 N, in its various forms.

Starting at just $46,200 before on-road costs for a manual base i30 N, and extending up to $56,200 for the i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition (of which 180 will be offered in Aus), buyers are not only given options for how much they want from their hot hatch in terms of features, but they’re also given a 2.0-litre turbo engine making 206kW/392Nm regardless of spec, and the option of an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

While the i30 N is slower and (slightly) less powerful than the more expensive Civic Type R and Golf R, it’s been praised by reviewers for its fun and functionality, and is often compared to the Civic as one of the best-driving hot hatches available.

Also deserving a mention is the yet-to-arrive Toyota GR Corolla, of which Australia is confirmed to have 500 units on the way.

A total 220kW and 370Nm from its 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine will power all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, though pricing for the Toyota hot hatch isn't yet clear.

It's expected to be quite pricey compared to the regular Corolla given it'll have bespoke body parts and mechanicals, just as the GR Yaris did from the standard Yaris.

Based on the difference between prices for the Yaris and its hot GR version, we wouldn't be surprised to see the GR Corolla's price approaching the $70,000 mark.

If the Type R is going to sit on the hot hatch throne, the Golf R and i30 N aren’t the only cars in its way, but they’re its strongest competitors while the Corolla waits in the wings… the Civic has work to do.