Volkswagen recently launched the mouth-watering, hair-raising, mind-blowing Golf GTI in our country. And this is the first time the Golf has seen an India launch. However, it has not even been a month and there are already media reports suggesting that a serious Golf GTI rival could be on its way to India!
Golf GTI Rival – Who is it?
Latest media reports hint that a popular hot hatch is eyeing the Golf GTI and it is from the house of Honda! You might have guessed it by now, it is the Honda Civic Type R the reports are pointing at.
Even though the Golf GTI is priced at Rs 63.20 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), the first batch of 150 units has already been sold out. Looking at the welcome given to the GTI, Honda might be hoping the same for the Type R.
Why is this Golf GTI rival special?
The Honda Civic Type R is a front-wheel-drive hot hatch powered by a 2.0-litre VTEC turbo-petrol engine (311bhp & 420Nm of torque). This engine comes mated to a 6-speed MT with rev-match control for smooth, quick downshifts. It can do a 0-100 in 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 275kmph.
But why is it special? Because the Type R holds the record for the fastest front-wheel-drive at the Nurburgring! Golf GTI has some serious competition incoming, probably.
Other details
Everything about the Honda Civic Type R screams “Performance-Focused”. It features a triple-outlet exhaust, a functional rear spoiler for improved downforce, sport seats, a fully-digital instrument cluster and aluminium alloy wheels.
Interestingly, the touchscreen infotainment shows performance data like G-Meter, Lap Timer, Tyre Friction Data, Engine & Oil Temperature, etc.
Pricing
The Honda Civic Type R means serious business and we expect it to be priced somewhere between Rs 65 lakh & Rs 75 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). We will still have to wait and see if Honda brings the international-spec Civic Type R to India or tones it down to price it aggressively.
