Fifth Gear's Favorite Hot Hatch: Honda Civic Type R vs Volkswagen Golf GTI
When it comes to hot hatches, two cars that come to mind are the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of both cars, and see which one is the best choice for drivers.
The Honda Civic Type R is undoubtedly a powerful car, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing plenty of power. However, as the host of Fifth Gear puts it, "this is only my mad half hour" - meaning that while the Civic Type R can produce impressive acceleration when revving, it's not always necessary or practical to do so. In contrast, the Volkswagen Golf GTI offers a more balanced driving experience, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine providing plenty of power without requiring constant revving.
One feature that sets the Golf GTI apart from other hot hatches is its optional direct shift gearbox (DSG G). This system uses two clutches to provide instantaneous and accurate gear changes, making it feel like a manual gearbox but with the added convenience of semi-automatic shifting. According to the host, "this is the biggest step forward in gearbox technology I've ever driven" - and it's hard to disagree. The DSG G makes for quicker changes and gets you places faster, which is a major advantage over traditional manual gearboxes.
The Golf GTI also boasts impressive handling and steering, with plenty of feedback and accuracy. As the host notes, "one of the nicest parts about this new Golf GTI is the steering" - it's really nice and provides lots of grip. This makes the car a joy to drive on twisty roads or at tracks like the Paul Ricard circuit in France.
But what about the cost? The Golf GTI starts at around $4,000 more than the Honda Civic Type R at $20,000, which may be a barrier for some buyers. However, as the host notes, "when you consider what it does to the car" - the DSG G system and other features make the Golf GTI a worthwhile investment.
Finally, the host reflects on what makes buying cars more than just about driving them. "Buying cars is more than just about the drive," they say. "It's about living with it every single day." And in this case, the Volkswagen Golf GTI feels like a great choice - with its fantastic finish, fit, and overall package.
Ultimately, whether you choose the Honda Civic Type R or the Volkswagen Golf GTI will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, one thing is clear: both cars are excellent choices for drivers looking for a fun and engaging driving experience.
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enfifth Gear's favorite hot hatch is the Honda Civic Type R this is its big new rival the volswagen Golf GTI unfortunately it's heavier than the Civic it's slower than the Civic and at 20,000 it's 4 grand more than the Civic so why or why would you buy one now I love the Civic Type R engine so long as you're revving it but that's only my mad half hour the rest of the time you're not always in the mood and this is where the golf is great it's a turbocharged 2 L engine so you don't have to be revving it all the time of course if you do it's still got loads of power but even in third gear fourth gear at low revs it's got plenty of poke but the thing that's impressed me most is the optional direct shift gearbox or DSG G it's a beautiful system and definitely the future of changing gear it's a manual gear box but it's got two clutches and it makes for instantaneous perfect accurate gear changes just take a listen to this we'll knock down to Second we'll give it some poke and then I'll change up it's just perfect for me this is the biggest step forward in gearbox technology I've ever driven it is fabulous DSG what's it going to cost you well ,300 I think that's buttons when you consider what it does to the car this car is quicker to 60 than your manual gearbox so the DSG makes for quicker changes gets your places faster we like that to find out more we dropped by Bernie echelon's state-of-the-art Paul Ricard circuit which Nestles in the south of France here Tire walls and gravel traps have been replaced by high grip paint making it a blueprint for tracks of the future one of the nicest Parts about this new Golf GTI is the steering um really nice waiting get lots of feedback car goes exactly where you want it to I have to say I'm really enjoying this new golf it's not like the old one the old one was a bit bit too safe a bit too wallowy a bit dull dare I say but this this is um this is all together different really good fun for me buying cars is more than just about the drive it's about living with it every single day and I have to say the golf is a great place to be the Finish is fantastic the fit it's a place you want to be but the big question is should you buy one over the Civic type bar you bet you shouldfifth Gear's favorite hot hatch is the Honda Civic Type R this is its big new rival the volswagen Golf GTI unfortunately it's heavier than the Civic it's slower than the Civic and at 20,000 it's 4 grand more than the Civic so why or why would you buy one now I love the Civic Type R engine so long as you're revving it but that's only my mad half hour the rest of the time you're not always in the mood and this is where the golf is great it's a turbocharged 2 L engine so you don't have to be revving it all the time of course if you do it's still got loads of power but even in third gear fourth gear at low revs it's got plenty of poke but the thing that's impressed me most is the optional direct shift gearbox or DSG G it's a beautiful system and definitely the future of changing gear it's a manual gear box but it's got two clutches and it makes for instantaneous perfect accurate gear changes just take a listen to this we'll knock down to Second we'll give it some poke and then I'll change up it's just perfect for me this is the biggest step forward in gearbox technology I've ever driven it is fabulous DSG what's it going to cost you well ,300 I think that's buttons when you consider what it does to the car this car is quicker to 60 than your manual gearbox so the DSG makes for quicker changes gets your places faster we like that to find out more we dropped by Bernie echelon's state-of-the-art Paul Ricard circuit which Nestles in the south of France here Tire walls and gravel traps have been replaced by high grip paint making it a blueprint for tracks of the future one of the nicest Parts about this new Golf GTI is the steering um really nice waiting get lots of feedback car goes exactly where you want it to I have to say I'm really enjoying this new golf it's not like the old one the old one was a bit bit too safe a bit too wallowy a bit dull dare I say but this this is um this is all together different really good fun for me buying cars is more than just about the drive it's about living with it every single day and I have to say the golf is a great place to be the Finish is fantastic the fit it's a place you want to be but the big question is should you buy one over the Civic type bar you bet you should\n"
