Honda Civic Type R review (2015-2017) - the hottest front wheel drive hot hatch? - Interior and tech

Honda's new super-hatch outguns rivals on paper, but edgy +R damping means UK drivers can't exploit its most extreme settings

Evo rating
  • Dynamics, performance, engaging to drive
  • Outlandish styling won’t suit all tastes

As with most hot hatchbacks, it’s the details that separate the R from its cooking cousins inside. The dashboard architecture is the same – a love-it or hate-it layered dashboard with digital gauges above analogue instruments, with Type R garnish spread on top.

The important details carry on the Type R tradition. The gearknob is a tactile, milled alloy sphere just like it was on the previous Civic R, and is mounted only a short throw from the wheel rather than low between the seats. The seats are bewinged buckets, coated in red and black cloth, and the pedals are alloy. There are further red details on the dashboard, the gearlever gaiter stitching and on the wheel – including a modish red centre marker.

Honda Connect, based on an Android platform, is standard in every Type R. There’s Bluetooth, internet access, applications, a reversing camera and a 320-watt sound system. It also has MirrorLink, for compatibility with various smartphones.

A GT Pack, with toys including parking sensors, auto headlamps and wipers, adaptive cruise control (along with other driver assistance systems) and Garmin satellite navigation, is optionally available.

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