The latest-generation Honda Civic Type R arrives as both a celebration and a farewell. With production expected to end in 2026, it stands as one of the final purely petrol-powered, manual-transmission hot hatchbacks in a landscape rapidly shifting toward dual-clutch gearboxes, electrification and all-wheel-drive (AWD) mega-hatches.
At first glance, the new Civic Type R strikes a more mature tone than the flamboyant model it replaces. The swollen wheel arches, functional vents and deep front splitter still signal clear performance intent, but the overall design feels more considered and cohesive. The towering rear wing remains a Type R trademark, yet it is now integrated with far greater finesse, offering aerodynamic purpose without drifting into theatrics.
Honda Civic Type R – all generations [Source: Honda]
Red runs deep
Slip inside and the identity of Type R is unmistakable. The front sport seats are upholstered in bold red suede or Alcantara-style fabric, giving them a strong visual and tactile presence. These seats provide good lateral support, ideal for spirited driving, but they do not offer adjustable lumbar support, a downside for long journeys.
[Source: Honda]
Red carpeting and matching trim further reinforce the car’s performance heritage, while contrast stitching and red seat belts complete the “all-R” aesthetic. Yet, Honda tempers the intensity: soft-touch materials, well-placed switchgear and a clean, structured dashboard make the cabin feel more refined than raw race car. The steering wheel and key touchpoints are covered in Alcantara, adding both grip and quality feel.
[Source: Honda]
Layout and comfort
In many markets, including the UK, the Type R is a strict four-seater: the rear bench has only two outer seats, with a fixed center section that houses cupholders instead of a seat belt. Despite that, the outer rear seats are deep and supportive. There is good legroom, but the sloping roofline eats into headroom, which may make things a little tight for taller passengers.
Materials matters
While the red theme is everywhere, the interior does not scream “toy car.” The dashboard, door panels and other surfaces use solid, well-finished materials that feel durable and thoughtfully assembled. The switches and controls have weight and good tactile feedback, avoiding cheap or overly plastic feel.
A key design choice: the red trim stops low on the dash. That helps prevent unwanted reflections in the windscreen, maintaining visibility and a clean look.
[Source: Honda]
Practicality and storage
Storage is well thought out for a hot hatch. There are deep door bins, a decent glove box and a center console cubby. The charging tray below the infotainment screen can hold a phone, and there is a wireless charging pad too.
Up front, cupholders sit neatly in the center console, positioned to avoid collision with elbows. The layout is intuitive: everything is within easy reach and clearly marked, reflecting Honda’s commitment to functionality even in a performance model.
Cargo capacity
With the rear seats up, the boot offers 410 liters of space, which is very competitive for a performance hatch. When you fold down the 60/40 split seats, cargo volume jumps to 1,212 liters, creating a mostly flat load floor that can swallow bulky items.
A clever feature here: the parcel shelf is not a rigid panel but a retractable blind that rolls up into a compact housing when not in use. That adds flexibility while keeping the interior tidy.
Infotainment and driver interface
The cockpit combines analog feeling with digital functionality. A 9-inch touchscreen sits at the top of the center stack, managing media, phone connectivity and navigation. It is not the flashiest system out there, but it is responsive and logically laid out. Below it are physical dials for climate control — a welcome throwback to more driver-friendly design in a performance car.
In front of the driver, a fully digital 10.2-inch instrument cluster is positioned. This display can be customized depending on the driving mode, and in “+R” mode, it shows shift-light indicators to help with gear changes when pushing hard. There is also built-in performance telemetry, allowing drivers to monitor lap times, g-forces and other metrics if they take the car to a track.
[Source: Honda]
Final thoughts
The interior of the Honda Civic Type R is a thoughtful fusion of performance and practicality. It keeps the bold red accents and racing seat profiles that show its Type R lineage, but wraps them in a well-built, usable and surprisingly refined shell. There is room for passengers, space for luggage and modern connectivity features — all while preserving a driver-focused layout and analog feel. For driving enthusiasts who demand a hot hatch that can serve as a daily car without giving up its soul, the Type R’s cabin is arguably one of the best available today.
S&P Global Mobility’s latest report on “New interiors: Function integration, materials and new concepts” offers a detailed analysis of how automakers are pursuing the twin goals of integrating smart functions into interior trim components and increasing use of sustainable materials.
