Such has been the FK8 Civic Type R's dominance of the hot hatch market since its 2017 launch, you almost have to feel a little sorry for its rivals. Whatever they could apparently bring in performance, value or entertainment, the Honda always seemed to have something else up its sleeve to stay ahead. Now, with the opposition closer than ever - the Focus ST, updated Megane and Mk8 Golf GTI all spring to mind - the facelifted Civic's arrival in the UK is imminent. And it's not much more expensive than before...
Some will have baulked at the £40k Limited, but given that they're all sold out, Honda doesn't exactly have reason to worry. The important news is an entry price of £32,820, which compares well with the £31,995 of a Focus ST and £30,895 of a new Megane 300. That said, the overwhelming majority of Civic Type Rs sold in the UK since 2017 - something in the region of 90 per cent - have been GT models. As before, it brings more equipment (like Honda Connect with Garmin Nav, wireless phone charging, a stereo upgrade and more) for the same £2k price premium. That makes for £34,820, or just £75 less than a Megane Trophy. Or surely right about where VW will pitch its latest GTI. The more subdued Sportline Type R, the Civic that goes with a smaller rear wing, 19-inch wheels and an all-black interior, costs the same as a Type R GT.
But list price for a new car today matters about as much as it does for a smartphone; the monthly cost is far more important. The finance example given by Honda for a new Type R has an OTR of £32,820, a 26 per cent deposit of £8,520.50, then 36 monthly payments of £339. The APR is 5.9 per cent, the annual mileage allowance is 10,000 and the final payment, should a customer wish to keep the car, will be £15,677.87. And breathe.
Honda UK says it is expecting "a huge demand for the Civic Type R" given how the new range "now caters to a wider demographic of enthusiasts." The Sportline looks especially key to that, given how so many potential buyers have been put off by the lairy styling of a regular FK8. Customer deliveries are due before the end of this month; we'll hope to bring you a first drive verdict not long after!
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