Civic Type R has a slight advantage, but HR-V remains highly competitive.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Civic Type R
+11 pts
Efficiency
HR-V
+1 pts
Safety
Civic Type R
+6 pts
Practicality
HR-V
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Civic Type R
Performance
20/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
12/20
HR-V
Performance
9/20
Efficiency
10/20
Safety
12/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
Civic Type R
Pros
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Cons
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway Driving
HR-V
Pros
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best For:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Civic Type R
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
HR-V
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Ground Clearance
130
196
Wheelbase
2735
2610
Length
4595
4340
Width
1890
1790
Height
1405
1590
Kerb Weight
1430
1320
Gross Vehicle Weight
1850
1750
Seating Capacity
4
5
Boot Space
410
437
Towing Capacity
0
1200
Turning Radius
5.7
-
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Engine
2.0L Turbo Petrol
1.5L i-VTEC Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged VTEC
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
1996
1498
Cylinders
4
4
Compression Ratio
9.8:1
-
Power
315
119
Torque
420
145
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Turbocharger
High-Performance Single Turbo
-
Top Speed
272
185
0-100 km/h
5.4
11.8
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
4x2
4x2
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Mechanical LSD
Not Available
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Claimed Mileage
12
16.2
City Mileage
8
13
Highway Mileage
11
17
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
40
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
CO2 Emissions
190
140
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Airbags
6
4
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Performance Tuned
Standard
Traction Control
Performance Tuned
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Performance
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
-
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
-
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Seat Material
Alcantara and Fabric
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual Sport
Manual
Heated Seats
Front
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Red Performance Lighting
Not Available
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Climate Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
Manual
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Remote Key
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Standard
Android Auto
Wireless
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12 Bose Performance
6
Navigation System
Built-in
Not Available
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
LED Reflector
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
Front
Alloy Wheel Design
19-inch Lightweight Alloy
17-inch Steel with Covers
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Tyre Size
265/30 R19
215/60 R17
Wheel Type
Lightweight Alloy
Steel with Covers
Front Brake Type
Brembo Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Front Suspension
Adaptive Dual Axis Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Reinforced Monocoque
Monocoque
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
High
Moderate
Battery Warranty
24 Months
24 Months
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Specification
Civic Type R
HR-V
Approach Angle
-
18
Departure Angle
-
20
Wading Depth
-
350
Terrain Modes
-
Not Available
Locking Differential
-
Not Available
Final Verdict
🏆Honda Civic Type R
wins this comparison with 69 points
vs 56 points for
HR-V.
In structured scoring, Civic Type R emerges as the stronger overall package.
However, HR-V may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.