Exclusive: Honda Civic Type R India Launch Confirmed; to Compete with Volkswagen Golf GTI

In a development sure to enthrall automotive enthusiasts, the Honda Civic Type R is coming to India! Sources close to the matter have confirmed to autoX that the Japanese carmaker will bring the high-performance hatchback to the country. Unlike the standard Civic previously sold in India, the Honda Civic Type R is not a sedan but a front-wheel-drive hot hatch. The current generation model also holds the Nurburgring lap record for the fastest front-wheel-drive production car in the world. This move marks a strategic step for Honda, aiming to attract performance car enthusiasts across India.

This would mean that hot hatch enthusiasts in the country would have another option to consider, following the recent launch of the Golf GTI in India. This launch can be seen as a success as the Golf GTI - despite its hefty price tag - has been sold out in the country, Recently, the company confirmed that they would bring another batch of Golf GTIs to the country.

Honda Civic Type R: Design

The 2025 Honda Civic features a sporty design, highlighted by a sharp front fascia with an aggressive front lip and a wide grille. The smoked taillights, along with the combination of the diffuser and the massive wing at the back, enhance its sporty appeal. The Civic rides on 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels, and what will be of particular interest to the fans of sporty cars is the centre-mounted triple exhaust that gives the car a unique look and comes with active exhaust valves as well.

Honda Civic Type R: Interior

On the inside, the first thing that catches attention is the Honda badge on the steering wheel, which in the Type R, comes with a red background. The same can be seen on the logos outside the car as well. The overall cabin theme is designed to be driver-focused and gets red synthetic suede seats, upping the sporty quotient.

Also Read: Honda to Launch New Electric SUV in India Next Fiscal, to no Longer be Based on Elevate

In terms of features, the car offers a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a physical volume knob. It also includes red LED ambient lighting, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. A leather-wrapped sporty steering wheel and an aluminium shift knob add to its sporty appeal.

Honda Civic Type R: Dimensions

The latest iteration of the Civic Type R measures almost 4.6 metres in length and is about 1.9 metres wide. The car is a nudge over 1.4 metres tall and has a 2.7 metre wheelbase. As for the ground clearance, it measures 122mm in markets like the US.

Despite its sporty character, the Civic Type R remains practical for everyday use. It comes with a 47-litre fuel tank and a 410-litre boot, offering usable space for longer drives or daily commuting.

Honda Civic Type R: Engine,  Performance

Under the hood, the latest generation of the Honda Civic Type R gets an in-line 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC petrol engine that claims 325bhp at 6,500rpm and makes 420Nm of torque, which is delivered between 2,500-4,000rpm.

These power figures are achieved thanks to the turbocharger, running a boost pressure of 25.2 psi and in case you are wondering, the engine can rev up to a 7,000 rpm redline. Power is sent to the front wheels through a single transmission option—a 6-speed manual gearbox—designed to enhance driver engagement. The car claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 275km/h.

For braking performance, the car features Brembo 4-piston aluminium brake callipers. The front discs measure 350mm in diameter, while the rear discs are 305mm. Globally, the car comes fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

Suspension duties are handled by a Dual-Axis MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Paired with an Adaptive Damper System, the setup should improve handling and allow the car to take corners with precision.

Honda Civic Type R: Competition, Expected Price

Upon launch, the Honda Civic Type R will compete directly against the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which was launched in India recently at a price tag of Rs 53 lakh (ex-showroom). As of now, there is no confirmation of what the price of the Honda Civic Type R will be, but it would be fair to expect that it could be priced close to the Golf GTI. However, it would be interesting to see if Honda brings the Type R in the same spec as global models or if it cuts down on some of the features in order to have an aggressive price tag.