Honda Civic Type R, the Toyota GR Corolla and the VW Golf R.

If you are looking for a hot hatch that can deliver thrilling performance and everyday practicality, you might be interested in comparing the Honda Civic Type R, the Toyota GR Corolla and the VW Golf R. These three models are among the most popular and competitive in the segment, offering different strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will review some of the key features and specifications of each car and see how they stack up against each other.

The Honda Civic Type R is the most powerful and aggressive-looking of the trio, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It is also the only one that comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, which adds to the driver engagement and fun factor. The Civic Type R has a sophisticated suspension system that includes adaptive dampers, a limited-slip differential and a three-mode drive selector. It also has a large rear wing, a front splitter, a rear diffuser and 20-inch wheels that enhance its aerodynamics and grip. The Civic Type R can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds and has a top speed of 169 mph.

The Toyota GR Corolla is the newest and most anticipated entry in the hot hatch market, as it is based on the rally-inspired GR Yaris that is not available in the US. The GR Corolla is expected to have a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that makes 257 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. It will also have a six-speed manual transmission and an all-wheel drive system that can vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles. The GR Corolla will have a sporty design that features a lower ride height, wider fenders, a rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels. The GR Corolla is estimated to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and have a top speed of 143 mph.

The VW Golf R is the most refined and versatile of the bunch, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, depending on the driver's preference. The Golf R also has an all-wheel drive system that can send up to 50% of the torque to the rear wheels and has a torque vectoring function that can distribute power between the left and right wheels. The Golf R has a sleek and understated design that features LED headlights, a rear spoiler, quad exhaust tips and 19-inch wheels. The Golf R can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

As you can see, each of these hot hatches has its own appeal and personality, depending on what you are looking for in terms of power, handling, style and comfort. The Honda Civic Type R is the most hardcore and track-focused option, the Toyota GR Corolla is the most rally-inspired and exotic option, and the VW Golf R is the most balanced and sophisticated option. You can't go wrong with any of them, but you might want to test drive them all before making your final decision.

The Honda Civic Type R, the Toyota GR Corolla, and the VW Golf R are three hot hatchbacks that offer thrilling performance and practicality. Here are some of the main differences and similarities between them:

- The Civic Type R has a **2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC engine** that produces **315 horsepower** and **310 lb-ft of torque**, while the GR Corolla has a **1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine** that produces **257 horsepower** and **266 lb-ft of torque**, and the Golf R has a **2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine** that produces **315 horsepower** and **310 lb-ft of torque** ¹⁴⁵

- The Civic Type R has a **six-speed manual transmission with rev-match control**, while the GR Corolla has a **six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters**, and the Golf R has a **six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission** ¹⁴⁵

- The Civic Type R has a **4Matic permanent all-wheel drive system** (31:69 split front/rear), while the GR Corolla has a **GR-Four all-wheel drive system** with three modes (Normal, Sport, Track), and the Golf R has a **4Motion all-wheel drive system** with torque vectoring ¹⁴⁵

- The Civic Type R can accelerate from **0 to 96 km/h in 6.5 seconds**, while the GR Corolla can do it in **5.8 seconds**, and the Golf R can do it in **4.7 seconds** ¹⁴⁵

- The Civic Type R has a **10.2-inch colour TFT driver meter display** with the Honda LogR app, while the GR Corolla has a **7-inch digital instrument cluster** with a GR mode display, and the Golf R has a **10.25-inch digital cockpit pro display** with an R mode display ¹⁴⁵

- The Civic Type R offers an **available Super Cruise package**, which is a hands-free driver assistance technology for divided and compatible highways, while the GR Corolla offers an **available GR Sport package**, which includes 18-inch forged alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, red brake calipers, and sport seats, and the Golf R offers an **available Performance package**, which includes 19-inch alloy wheels, performance brakes, performance tires, and a drift mode ¹⁴⁵

- The Civic Type R has a **starting MSRP of $41,642**, while the GR Corolla has a **starting MSRP of $34,990**, and the Golf R has a **starting MSRP of $44,640** ¹⁴⁵

All three vehicles have some common features, such as:

- LED headlights and taillights

- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ compatibility

- Adaptive suspension

- Rearview camera

- Brembo brakes