New Toyota GR Yaris vs Honda Civic Type R: verdict
Toyota has brought top-flight rallying know-how to the road with its all-new GR Yaris hot hatch. But is it good enough to topple the mighty Honda Civic Type R?...
Our verdict
Both these hot hatches are hugely satisfying to drive, but for different reasons. The Honda Civic Type R has fractionally higher handling limits and feels just as at home on a track as a Porsche 911 GT3. The cornering repertoire of the Toyota GR Yaris has more dimensions to it, allowing you to have more fun at normal road speeds. And while it doesn’t have the outright power of the Type R, it’s just as quick, while its diminutive dimensions help it to feel tailor-made for the UK’s tight and twisty country roads.
As long as you’re prepared to live with a few compromises on the practicality front, what you’ll be getting in return is one of the most entertaining and involving hot hatches of the past decade.
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1st – Toyota GR Yaris
For More playful and engaging handling; incredible traction and acceleration off the line; cheaper to buy
Against Cramped in rear seats; small boot; limited choice of options
Recommended options Metallic paint (£550)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Toyota GR Yaris review
Toyota Yaris review
New Toyota deals
2nd – Honda Civic Type R
For Punchier real-world performance; much more practical; more accurate steering; slick gearshift; more compliant ride Against Costlier on a PCP finance deal; higher emissions; limited traction in the wet
Recommended options Metallic paint (£585)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Honda Civic Type R review
Honda Civic review
New Honda deals
Specifications: Toyota GR Yaris 1.6 Circuit Pack
Engine 3cyl, 1618cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 257bhp @ 6500rpm
Peak torque 266Ib ft @ 3000-4600rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 4.6sec
30-70mph 4.7sec
Top speed 142mph
30-0mph 8.1m
70-0mph 43.4m
Noise @ 30mph 64.9dB
Noise @ 70mph 71.3dB
Official economy 34.3mpg
Test economy 32.8mpg
CO2 emissions 186g/km
Specifications: Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo GT
Engine 4cyl, 1996cc, turbo, petrol
Peak power 316bhp at 6500rpm
Peak torque 295Ib ft @ 2500-4500rpm
Gearbox 6-spd manual
0-60mph 5.7sec
30-70mph 4.6sec
Top speed 169mph
30-0mph 8.3m
70-0mph 45.7m
Noise @ 30mph 65.0dB
Noise @ 70mph 71.1dB
Official economy 33.2mpg
Test economy 32.1mpg
CO2 emissions 193g/km
Weather conditions Damp
Cars pictured
Toyota GR Yaris 1.6 Circuit Pack with Platinum White Pearl pearlescent paint (£880)
Honda Civic Type R 2.0 VTEC Turbo GT with Championship White pearlescent paint (£850)
Best hot hatches 2024 – the most fun, and the ones to avoid
A great hot hatch needs to combine driving fun with everyday usability. So, which models do it best – and which are best avoided?
