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* This is a rough guide only — your actual monthly repayment will depend on your credit score, bank charges and loan terms. Get a proper quote from your bank or dealer before committing.

Last checked on 2026-05-14 • Verified by the Hagalu team

Honda Civic Type R — 2.0T Type R Manual

The fastest front-wheel-drive car you can buy new in South Africa — 235 kW from a 2.0-litre turbo with a proper 6-speed manual.

The Honda Civic Type R (FL5 generation, introduced in SA in 2023) is the sixth generation of Honda's iconic hot hatch. It is powered by a 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine producing 235 kW and 420 Nm of torque — all channelled to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching. Unlike many modern performance cars, the Type R does not offer an automatic transmission option. This is a deliberate driver's car. The FL5 generation set multiple front-wheel-drive lap records at circuits around the world during development. In South Africa, it is priced around R1,100,000 and is one of the few cars at that price point delivering track-level performance. Honda's Adaptive Damper System allows switching between Comfort, Sport and Track modes — making it genuinely usable daily. The interior uses Alcantara, red-accented Recaro seats and a Honda LogR data-logging system that records g-force, lap times and throttle/brake inputs. The Civic Type R represents a genuine evolution in its segment, balancing practical daily usability with longer-term ownership satisfaction. In South Africa's diverse driving conditions—from metropolitan congestion to regional highways to occasional rough tracks—this vehicle delivers competence across the spectrum. Market positioning places the Civic Type R as a practical sedan for buyers prioritizing daily comfort and efficiency. Reliability underpins ownership satisfaction—this vehicle won't surprise you with premature failures or component issues. Ownership costs align with realistic expectations. Service intervals are reasonable. Parts availability is reliable. Dealer networks exist where you need them. For five-year ownership, total cost of ownership—including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation—sits comfortably within segment expectations. Real-world driving scenarios reveal capable engineering. Urban navigation is straightforward. Highway cruising is comfortable. Weekend adventures are accessible. The vehicle functions as intended across South African conditions without requiring specialist knowledge or premium support to keep operational.

Who buys this: Championship White, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Sonic Grey Pearl, Crystal Black

City
Urban driving reveals competent engineering. Visibility is adequate for metropolitan traffic navigation. Parking assistance systems help genuinely in tight spaces. Air conditioning operates properly in South African summer heat. The driving position commands authority without excessive height. Interior layout remains intuitive through extended city driving. Audio systems integrate smartphone connectivity. Climate control maintains comfort in traffic-heavy commutes. Steering is responsive enough for urban maneuvers. Fuel consumption in city traffic remains predictable and manageable. The vehicle functions reliably through daily metropolitan use, delivering comfort during extended urban residence.
Highway
Highway driving confirms engineering integrity. At 120 km/h cruising, engine operation is relaxed and refined. Road noise remains controlled through wind and tire sound management. Fuel economy stabilizes within predictable consumption ranges. The transmission settles into efficient cruising operation. Comfort extends across multi-hour driving periods. Seating provides proper support without requiring frequent adjustment. Climate control maintains consistent cabin temperature. The ride quality balances bump compliance with directional stability. Highway safety systems function predictably without intrusive interventions. Extended highway driving confirms the vehicle's suitability for regional travel between major centers.
Off-Road
Off-road access ranges from basic to moderate depending on configuration. Ground clearance handles typical farm gates and low obstacles. Gravel roads present no challenge for standard variants. Basic farm tracks are traversable for most configurations. Rough terrain requires appropriate driving technique rather than extreme capability. The vehicle functions adequately for recreational off-road scenarios without specialization for rock crawling.

Honda Civic Type R — Quick Facts

  • Starting price in South Africa: ZAR 1,021,600 ex-showroom
  • Engine: 1996 cc
  • Power output: 315 kW (422 bhp)
  • Ground clearance: 130 mm — handy for those South African potholes
  • Claimed fuel economy: 12 km/l
  • Body style: Sedan

Honda Civic Type R Variants & Prices

Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.

Maximum 3 variants reached
Uncheck one of the selected variants below before choosing another.
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Transmission Price
2.0T Type R Manual Flagship Petrol Manual ZAR 1,021,600
Cmp Variant Trim Transmission Price
2.0T Type R Manual Flagship Manual ZAR 1,021,600
2 variants selected

Honda Civic Type R Specifications

Engine
2.0L Turbo Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged VTEC
Displacement
1996 cc
Cylinders
4
Compression Ratio
9.8:1
Power
315 kW
Torque
420 Nm
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
High-Performance Single Turbo
Top Speed
272 km/h
0-100 km/h
5.4 sec
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
Cylinder Bore
82.0 mm
Piston Stroke
92.0 mm
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Valves per Cylinder
Available
Power @ RPM
150
Torque @ RPM
400
Engine Position
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
Available l
Power
150 bhp
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
Available rpm
Engine Type Config
Available
0–100 km/h
Available sec
Battery Capacity
Available
Charging Port
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Engine Displacement
Available cc
EV Range
Available km

2.0T Type R Manual — Should You Buy It?

Excellent — extremely stable at speed. Honda's stability control and Adaptive Dampers make 160 km/h feel unhurried.

The Civic Type R is the practical choice for buyers prioritizing daily driving comfort. It delivers genuine capability without requiring premium pricing or exotic maintenance. Resale values develop as market recognition grows. The used market becomes increasingly active as ownership examples accumulate. For buyers seeking dependable, honest transport, the Civic Type R represents genuine value.

What's Good
  • ✓At R1.1 million, the Civic Type R competes with the VW Golf R and Hyundai Elantra N. What separates it is the 6-speed manual — no paddle-shift alternative — and the focus on driver feel over gadgetry. If you want the fastest, most engaging hot hatch available new in SA with a Honda badge and the heritage of the Type R name, nothing else matches it.
  • ✓Buy it if: you want a daily car that doubles as a serious track machine, you prefer manual gearboxes, and you want the best front-wheel-drive chassis in its class. Don't buy it if: you need an automatic, you regularly carry more than two passengers, or R1.1 million is difficult to finance — the running costs match the price.
  • ✓Fuel economy sits within realistic ranges for segment class. Real-world consumption matches specification estimates. Highway driving improves efficiency compared to urban cycles. Budget-conscious drivers achieve target consumption through reasonable driving technique.
  • ✓Interior space accommodates family use across most configurations. Seating comfort extends through multi-hour driving periods. Storage solutions organize cargo systematically. Climate control zones maintain individual comfort preferences. Infotainment systems integrate modern connectivity without complexity.
  • ✓Resale values develop as market recognizes vehicle positioning. Used examples maintain desirable qualities attracting subsequent buyers. Depreciation follows predictable curves. Online marketplaces show consistent inventory. Private sellers report straightforward sales processes without excessive marketing periods.
  • ✓Safety features include modern systems addressing real-world hazard scenarios. Airbag arrays protect occupants comprehensively. Electronic stability control operates transparently. Anti-lock braking prevents wheel lockup. Modern variants include collision avoidance systems.
  • ✓Build quality reflects design intent throughout vehicle architecture. Panel alignment demonstrates manufacturing precision. Interior materials withstand extended use without rattles. Electrical systems operate reliably through ownership tenure. Chassis engineering delivers durable suspension performance.
  • ✓Comfort factors compound through extended ownership. Seat ergonomics support proper posture. Steering feel remains responsive. Brake modulation provides confident deceleration. Climate performance manages temperature variations effectively.
  • ✓Value proposition aligns pricing with delivered capability. Feature content matches purchase price expectations. Equipment levels provide practical benefit without excessive decoration. Warranty coverage protects against manufacturing defects.
Watch Out For
  • ✕Depreciation follows segment patterns, with steeper loss during initial ownership years. Second-hand markets reflect genuine value recognition. Three-year-old examples show significant depreciation. Five-year-old vehicles stabilize at residual values reflecting reliability perception. Premium variants depreciate faster than base configurations.
  • ✕Interior materials prioritize function over premium perception. Hard plastics appear throughout lower trim specifications. Fabric upholstery shows use patterns within normal ownership. Design choices reflect cost targets rather than luxury positioning. Material quality aligns with price positioning in segment.
  • ✕Styling appears understated compared to visually aggressive competitors. Exterior appearance prioritizes function over dramatic design. Interior design emphasizes practical layout over styling flourishes. Some buyers prefer more distinctive visual presence. Marketing sometimes emphasizes features rather than design language.
  • ✕Technology features may lag premium competitors in sophistication. Infotainment systems provide adequate functionality without innovation leadership. Connectivity options meet current standards without advancing them. Software updates follow manufacturer schedules. Digital integration reflects rather than leads current capabilities.
  • ✕Off-road capability remains basic for adventure-focused buyers. Ground clearance addresses regular obstacles without extreme performance. Suspension articulation handles gravel roads competently. Serious rock crawling requires specialized variants. Stock configuration prioritizes daily usability over extreme terrain access.
  • ✕High insurance premium due to performance classification
  • ✕Rare on SA roads — sourcing used parts may take time

Honda Civic Type R FAQs

The Honda Civic Type R has 130 mm of ground clearance — enough for SA speed bumps, gravel driveways, and light dirt roads without catching the underside.

The Honda Civic Type R comes with a 1996 cc engine, putting out 315 kW (422 bhp). It's available in multiple variants — check the specs tab above for fuel type and transmission options.

The claimed figure is around 12 km/l. Real-world SA driving — city stop-start plus highway speeds — typically runs 10–15% higher than that. Diesel variants tend to pull ahead over longer distances.

Buyers researching the Honda Civic Type R often compare it with rivals such as Ford Mustang , Hyundai IONIQ 6 . Comparing them side by side is the quickest way to see where your money goes — performance, petrol economy, price and running costs all vary more than you'd think.

Compare Honda Civic Type R with Similar Sedans

Tap any card to see a full head-to-head — specs, scores and a clear verdict on which one's worth your money.

Honda Civic Type R
VS
Ford Mustang
Civic Type R vs Mustang
Petrol Sedan 3 Variants
Ford Mustang from ZAR 989,900
See full specs & who wins →
Honda Civic Type R
VS
Hyundai IONIQ 6
Civic Type R vs IONIQ 6
Electric Sedan 3 Variants
Hyundai IONIQ 6 from ZAR 799,900
See full specs & who wins →

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Data verified against: Honda Official South Africa Website

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