Honda Civic Type R is reportedly headed to India, bringing 325 bhp, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and Nürburgring-tuned performance. Expected to rival the Golf GTI with a price near ₹60 lakh.
Honda is gearing up to bring serious performance to Indian roads, with sources confirming that the much-anticipated Civic Type R will finally make its way to the country. Unlike the standard Civic sedan that was once sold here, the Type R is a proper hot hatch, and its arrival will add another exciting option for performance car buyers in India. With this move, Honda is targeting enthusiasts who are looking for a high-performance, front-wheel-drive car — a segment that recently saw the Volkswagen Golf GTI receive a warm welcome despite its premium pricing. The GTI sold out its initial batch, prompting Volkswagen to announce a second round of imports. Now, Honda is looking to tap into this niche but growing performance market.
Globally, the Civic Type R has earned a reputation for offering serious track-focused performance without sacrificing everyday usability. The version set to arrive in India is expected to be the sixth-generation FL5 model, based on the eleventh-generation Civic hatchback. This version holds the Nürburgring record for the fastest lap by a front-wheel-drive production car, completing the lap in 7:44.881. It’s a clear sign that Honda is bringing more than just a stylish hatchback — this is a machine built for driving enthusiasts.
On the outside, the Civic Type R looks every bit the part of a performance car. It features a wide-body stance, sharply sculpted aero elements, and a large rear wing that enhances downforce. The triple centre-exit exhaust system, smoked taillights, and 19-inch matte-black alloy wheels complete the aggressive design. These elements not only add to its visual appeal but also serve functional purposes on track and at high speeds.
Inside the cabin, the Civic Type R continues its focus on performance. The red synthetic suede sports seats, red ambient lighting, and a red Honda badge on the steering wheel set the tone. The driver-focused cockpit includes a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a leather-wrapped sporty steering wheel, and an aluminium shift knob. Despite its aggressive character, the Type R remains practical for daily use, offering a 47-litre fuel tank and 410 litres of boot space, which is generous for a hatchback in this segment.
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Under the hood, the Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC petrol engine producing 325 bhp at 6,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque between 2,500 to 4,000 rpm. It is mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission, reinforcing its appeal to purists who enjoy an engaging driving experience. With this setup, the Type R claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h. The turbocharger runs at a boost pressure of 25.2 psi, and the engine revs to a redline of 7,000 rpm.
The suspension is tuned for sharp handling, using a Dual-Axis MacPherson strut setup at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. It also comes with an Adaptive Damper System that adjusts based on driving conditions to enhance cornering stability and ride comfort. Braking is handled by Brembo 4-piston aluminium calipers with 350 mm front and 305 mm rear discs, while globally, the car is equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
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In terms of size, the Civic Type R is nearly 4.6 metres long, about 1.9 metres wide, and just over 1.4 metres tall. Its wheelbase measures 2.7 metres, and it has a ground clearance of 122 mm, which is likely to remain unchanged for the Indian version unless Honda makes specific adjustments for local road conditions.
While pricing has not yet been officially announced, industry insiders expect the Civic Type R to be imported into India as a completely built unit (CBU), which would put its price just under ₹60 lakh (ex-showroom). This positions it directly against the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which is currently priced at ₹53 lakh. The key question now is whether Honda will offer the India-spec model with the same feature set and performance package as the global version or if certain changes will be made to make it more price competitive.
The confirmation of the Civic Type R’s arrival marks an important moment for performance car enthusiasts in India. With limited choices in the hot hatch segment, the Type R is a welcome addition that promises genuine driving thrills. For those who value old-school driver engagement combined with modern-day features and practicality, the Civic Type R is shaping up to be a compelling option worth waiting for.
