See all Motoring News
Honda bills its new Civic Type as a 'Race Car for the Roa'd and we wouldn't argue much with that, albeit it's unlikely to take an outright win in the Le Mans 24hrs on your way home from work. Now comes the nitty-gritty though as the official price is announced.
It's €48,750. Which is a lot. That is around €6,000 more than a 300hp 4WD Volkswagen Golf R, the Civic's closest current rival. It's more than the likely price for the upcoming Ford Focus RS and is about the same money as an Audi S3.
Now, there is some debate about value. All Civic Type Rs will come with sports seats finished in red and black suede-type material, unique Type R body styling kit, LED headlights, 19-inch black gloss alloys, keyless entry and start, Honda Connect touchscreen infotainment system, +R mode, city brake active system and climate control. You can, for €2,000, add a GT pack, which brings with it signature red highlights to the front and rear splitters for enhanced visual impact. The pack also introduces a wide range of convenience features, including satellite navigation, upgraded high-power audio system, front and rear parking sensors, dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing automatic wipers and electric-fold door mirrors. The GT pack also adds some extra safety kit including Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition System, High-Beam Support System, Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor.
The Golf has similar standard equipment though, even if the Civic is better equipped than the Audi, but it's a lot of money to ask for a Honda, even if Honda Ireland will essentially lose money on each one it sells. Honda Ireland promised to keep the price below €50k even if that was the case and it seems to be as good as its word.
So, what think you - is a hot Honda worth more than a Golf R?
Read a review of the new Honda Civic Type R from our partners at CompleteCar.ie.