New Honda Civic Type R priced head-to-head with Ford Focus RS – where should your money go?

Honda has revealed the updated Civic Type R will cost from £30,995 when it goes on sale in the UK this summer.

The eagerly awaited next generation model will cost a fraction more than the car it replaces, coming with a revised 2.0-litre, 316bhp engine, a lighter but more rigid body shell and improved aerodynamics.

A GT model with a little bit more kit will cost an extra £2,000, starting at £32,995.

That price puts the Ford Focus RS, arguably the best hot hatch on the market right now, as a firm rival. If you’re thinking of putting money down on one of these everyday performance car heroes, here’s a handy guide to help you choose.

Performance

Less than a decade ago the idea of 316bhp in a hot hatch seemed ridiculous, but incredibly, the Civic’s output is significantly bested by the Ford Focus RS’s 345bhp. That means the latter is also quicker under acceleration, reaching 60mph in 4.5 seconds compared to about 5.5 in the Civic.

Front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive?

Traditionally, hot hatches have put their power to the front wheels like the standard hatchbacks they’re based on. However, as performance has gone north of 300bhp, manufacturers have increasingly turned to all-wheel-drive.

The Focus RS is one such car, using a clever system that puts most of its power to the rear to make it feel more agile – it works, offering excellent grip and a fun driving experience.

However, Honda is the master of putting power through just the two front wheels. The new Civic Type R continues this tradition and should feel as light and agile as its predecessor as a result.

Exterior styling

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and these two cars go to the two extremes of hot hatch styling. Ford said it put extra budget into the all-wheel-drive system so couldn’t go too wild on the exterior – it almost flies under the radar as a result.

The Honda on the other hand is wonderfully over the top, with wings, vents and flares all over the bodywork. Best of all, everything’s functional and contributes to the car’s aerodynamic profile.

Interior specification

The Ford’s interior is looking a little dated now, with its chunky plastics and cheap-feeling materials. The Civic benefits from being a couple of years newer, of course, but it has a simpler design that’s made sportier by lots of red trim and carbon-effect panels.

Which one’s better?

It’s impossible to say just yet as the first media drives don’t take place until next month. However, given how ridiculously capable the old Honda Civic Type R was, giving it more power and a better chassis should make it a world-beater.

The Ford Focus RS needs to watch its back.