Golf R vs Civic Type R

New 306bhp VW meets 316bhp Honda in hot hatch battle

THE current Volkswagen Golf R has been the hottest model in the accomplished hatchback range since it arrived in showrooms in 2014, but it’s just got even hotter with the addition of a new Performance pack, plus some fruitier options, such as a high-performance exhaust.

However, it’s only available on cars equipped with the DSG auto box. Also, the Performance pack costs £2,300 on top of the five-door Golf R’s £34,910 list price, so VW has a job on its hands to secure victory as the newcomer meets the current best hot hatch you can buy: Honda’s Civic Type R.

As standard the Japanese model is more driver-focused than the Golf R, and it happens to be cheaper as well. So can the upgraded hot Golf beat the best car in its class?