FR TDI/Cupra vs Honda Civic Type R

[HarryKatinnen]

Just wondering if anyone has driven the new Honda Civic Type R and how it compares to the Cupra or FR TDI

I am currently in a 140 TDI Sport now a year old. I love the car, especially the economy but thinking of changing for something with a little more power. The options are: -

Revo the Sport or change to an FR TDI
Go for the Cupra
Look at another manufacturer

The revo option would be the most cost effetive but I have concerns about the warranty, especially in the light of some of the recent threads regarding build issues and the faults now beginning to appear on my vehicle (e.g. moisture in drivers footwell, excessive misting when econ mode turned on, loads of water in door after washing or heavy rain ). This is also true for the FR TDI route.

The Cupra is very tempting but again I have similar concerns about build quality so the switch to another manufacturer is appealing. The Focus ST was one option but having had a standard Focus as a hire car recently, boot space is nowhere near as good as the Seat. Then there is the Honda. I must admit the though of a car which will rev to 8000rpm appeals and the build quality is bound to be bomb proof (I had a Subaru Imprexa WRX for 2 years and my second vehicle is a 12 year old Rav 4 which has never let me down despite being thrashed through forests when marshalling on rallies).

Got a test drive in the Honda on Thursday but I haven't driven the Cupra yet so wondered if anyone had had a go in both and what you thought

 

[jon1]

What about a FR TFSI? apparently can be remapped to around 250hp

 

[P0LKR]

Just wondering if anyone has driven the new Honda Civic Type R and how it compares to the Cupra or FR TDI

I am currently in a 140 TDI Sport now a year old. I love the car, especially the economy but thinking of changing for something with a little more power. The options are: -

Revo the Sport or change to an FR TDI
Go for the Cupra
Look at another manufacturer

The revo option would be the most cost effetive but I have concerns about the warranty, especially in the light of some of the recent threads regarding build issues and the faults now beginning to appear on my vehicle (e.g. moisture in drivers footwell, excessive misting when econ mode turned on, loads of water in door after washing or heavy rain ). This is also true for the FR TDI route.

The Cupra is very tempting but again I have similar concerns about build quality so the switch to another manufacturer is appealing. The Focus ST was one option but having had a standard Focus as a hire car recently, boot space is nowhere near as good as the Seat. Then there is the Honda. I must admit the though of a car which will rev to 8000rpm appeals and the build quality is bound to be bomb proof (I had a Subaru Imprexa WRX for 2 years and my second vehicle is a 12 year old Rav 4 which has never let me down despite being thrashed through forests when marshalling on rallies).

Got a test drive in the Honda on Thursday but I haven't driven the Cupra yet so wondered if anyone had had a go in both and what you thought

I have driven both.

I wasnt that impressed with the the Type R. My Tdi Sport is mapped to 185. After the test drive in the Honda, I got back in my Leon and thought this is so much more enjoyable to drive with all the torque (290 lbs vs 142 lbs) and only 15 bhp down on the Honda.

I then drove obviously a standard Cupra the other day and well, it was WOW. I was so impressed that I enquired about ordering one there and then. Went home and came to my senses or my wife did that for me. Too many expenses at the moment to enable me to spend the extra BUT i will buy one soon, no doubt about it. The car was so smooth and powerful. It also felt like a different class of car to the sport. Everything felt different. The ride is much smoother and softer YES softer and the power is like silk. Brakes were shall I say insane, so sharp. Steering was better etc etc......I fell in love with this car.. I want one NOW

 

[BanziBarn]

I've got the old Civic Type-r as well as a FR TDI. IMO, driving wise, even though you currently have 140bhp I still think that the civic may seem a little sluggish in certain situations. But this does depend on your regular driving route. I you don't have plenty of chances to really open the car up then I'd say stay away from the civic..... or go for another turbo car.

Have you driven an ST? The Engine IMO is really special and there is nothing that sounds that good for that price - superb. Not particurally quick though but there is a very reliable switchable remap available (Bluefin).

If you are considering an ST, another option could be a Mazda 3 MPS. Granted not the best looking car in the world but it really does look a lot better in the flesh and there is nothing in the class that comes near the performance. I've read a lot of reviews from normal people and all have said they are blown awauy by the acceleration. Just a thought.

 

[Rob66]

Hi Harry

Yes i have driven the Type R and the Cupra. (I currently have a 185 TFSI). Must admit i came away from the Typr R a little underwelmed especially after all the good reports i had read particularly in Top Gear Mag (who slated the Cupra).

First quality:

Some nice touches but not a million miles better than the Leon. The fact that the alcantara seat bolster on the passenger side was already looking worse for wear after only 500miles was a worry.

Interior:

Great seats (but see above) comfy but the steering wheel for me was set too low, almost touching my knees. The wheel itself was great too hold and use though. The dash has a lot 'going on' but i guess would get used to it.

The Drive:

Sounded great (even at low revs) and held the road well, but didnt feel particularly quick. The power delivery was so different to my TFSI and perhaps i didnt give it the welly i should have done. Getting back in my car afterwards the drive felt smoother, quicker and more eager to respond than the Type R.

Looks:

Well an acquired taste, one minute liked it then not so sure and the demo's paint in Milano Red was already swirl city! Liked the standard wheels, much better than the 19" optional items. The rear looks a bit on the large side to me from certain angles!

I drove the Cupra 2 days later and 'woweee' that felt different altogether, like my car on steriods (as you would expect).

I'm going to test drive them both again this week to make sure i dont like the Type R!! If the Cupra looked different it would be an easy choice to make but its so similar to mine!

 

[k4ith]

I was originaly selling my MK4 GTi to get the new CTR but when i seen the final product i decided against it, the looks aren't to my taste its like they have tried to hard and added to much to the lines of the car and to the cabin too, the old ctr was to little now they gave gone ott.I always think when they launch a new model that you wait till the facelift version appears as it will hopefully have the niggles ironed out, as with the new cupra i am going to wait and see if they facelift that and then may get one.