2022 Honda Civic Type R vs Cupra Leon VZ comparison review

Does anything come close to matching the Honda Civic Type R? The Cupra Leon VZ has similar firepower and is a character in the curves, but is it hard enough?

The Lion

As the performance offshoot of VW’s sportiest brand, Cupra products rub us up the right way. The Leon VZ blends performance with a general ease of use while it can be genuinely engaging when set-up right. It’s decent performance value at $59,990 drive away (Cupra adopting a similar agency model to Honda, in that everyone pays the same price, on road ready to go) and there are no clean car fees. 

Fast enough but? 

The $60k ask gets you 221kW and 400Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre turbopetrol which is processed by a seven-speed twin-clutch. It too drives the front wheels while it has an e-LSD, one where electronically controlled, hydraulically activated clutches dictate the direction of the torque to improve traction and reduce tugging. There’s also adjustable adaptive dampers, bigger brakes and some slick looking wheels. 

It’s just as quick in a straight line as the Type R as the quick shifting twin-clutch helps it haul as hard, with less driver input. The Cupra’s engine might not be as responsive as the Civic’s but neither is it laggy, pulling well by 2000rpm and it builds progressively (if not as quickly) through its midrange and onwards to 6700rpm. The engine tune isn’t one of note however, the exhaust giving off only the faintest of pops on the overrun. One thing though, there’s far less road noise than in the roaring R. 

But is it as focused? 

Not quite. It doesn’t carry the same conviction through the bends as it’s not as wide in the tracks or treads (235 cross section tyres versus 265s on the Honda). The turn in and the steering feel aren’t quite as precise either. The Cupra is ‘quick and easy’ in its Sport mode, though it can be more of a larrikin when unleashed in Cupra with the ESC in Sport. Then you can start sniffing out its limits, working those front tyres harder and feeling the rear moving about. In this regard, it’s friskier than the R. It has the midrange grunt and traction to match the Type R off most bends, and the twin-clutch keeps it humming, quick to deal out the right ratio.

The Civic’s trump is stability. It’s a little longer in the wheelbase than most hatches, and its tracks are pumped. Combined with those big rubber patches, it’s ultra-stable. Even under hard braking, when you’re not quite as straight as you should be, it’s still very composed. Therefore it’s always ready to deal with the next thing you throw at it. The pitch and roll are negligible, and still it’s beguilingly agile. 

You need to be a track brat to really enjoy this; it’s the GT3 of hot hatches. It’s focused on that ultimate lap time and so diametrically opposed to NZ’s regime of reducing speed limits. The Leon, while an engaging drive, isn’t quite as focused but neither is it totally outclassed.

So easier to live with? 

Yes, just getting on board is easier. The seats are still of the huggy variety but being set slightly higher without such aggressive squab bolsters, are easier to get into. The Type R has more constricting buckets, albeit with comfy padding.

The Cupra’s cabin is more subdued, its copper highlights conservative compared with the Type R’s red upholstery and carpeting. The kids loved it but. The VW Group’s infotainment system continues to find new ways to frustrate; it’s just not intuitive or particularly responsive, even if it looks good. The Honda’s does the job in a more straightforward manner, but neither is industry leading. Both have a mix of nicer surfacing with a smattering of hard plastics to remind you of their humble hatchback roots. The Honda feels robust, whereas this Leon, with 9000km on the clock, was displaying a few dash rattles. 

That longer wheelbase gives the Civic’s rear passengers more legroom, and you only have to share with one other, as the Type R remains a four seater. The Cupra has a useful boot, but the Honda’s is larger, being wider and longer under that fastback hatch. Each has split folding.

In general running, the Cupra is just easy, with the more compliant ride, a better turning circle and lighter steering. The Leon VZ likes to select neutral when coasting (chasing fuel economy) and the idle/stop takes every opportunity it’s presented too. No wonder it’s easier on the gas with an average around 9L/100km (12L/100km being the high). Meanwhile, the Civic is more like 13L/100km (with a peak of 17), and both require premium. Otherwise the two-pedal convenience of the twin-clutch auto can be nice to have on the way home, along with active cruise that works down to a stop to manage the flow of rush hour, whereas the Type R’s cancels out below 30km/h. 

The one? 

Each is a great example of the hot hatch but the Civic Type R still holds the mantle as the most focused and capable front driver. It’s superb in every performance facet and owners will appreciate that it’s not overly refined. Still it’s a performance car you could use everyday, but will be best appreciated with frequent track days. The Leon VZ will be easier to live with, yet delivers an entertaining drive when the occasion suits. And you’ll have $10k left in the bank when the recession hits.