On the occasion of 2014 Paris Motor Show, Honda is again present with the compact hot-hatch Civic Type-R, but it still isnt’ a production model yet. The main novelty of this new generation is the addition of a turbo to the 2.0 litres petrol engine. But will it be a match for the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG?
In the compact hot-hatch arena, the 2.0 litres engines have already reached the 300 HP barrier. That happens thanks to the turbochargers. But the Civic Type-R will display only 280 HP, in an almost exaggerated form. Just look at the rear wing and you’ll get it. Of course, the Japanese engineers praise the other technical novelties, that promise the most desirable hot-hatch on the market.
Until then, we know for a fact that the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG is the most powerful hot-hatch with a two-liter engine. It has 360 HP, which is a whooping 80 HP more than the future Civic Type-R, and all this power goes to all four wheels, for better traction, control and safety. And it’s not just the power that counts, but also the modifications to the chassis, so that A 45 AMG is considered the best hot-hatch these days.
360 HP and all-wheel drive for the 2.0 turbo of A 45 AMG versus 280 HP and front-wheel drive for the future Honda Civic Type-R. That’s hardly a match…
Honda Civic Type-R fights the Germans
Maybe the public of the flashy Civic Type-R (which is a fine car as long as you’re a fan of manga cartoons…) will point that A 45 AMG is too discreet and it’s not so obvious that it packs the most powerful production 2.0 liter. Well, no problem there, because that’s exactly the philosophy of the German brand nowadays – take a look at any of recent AMG cars.
Of course, being the best has a price, and A 45 AMG costs more that 50.000 euros. In that area, Civic Type-R will have a strong point, because it’s expected a price of only 30.000 euros for the almost-premium Japanese car. Which is ok, if you’re willing a compromise. Anyway, we’ll warmly welcome the production version of the Japanese UFO next year, but, in the meantime, there’s a very simple conclusion: the new Civic Type-R won’t be a match for the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG. At all.
