New Honda Civic Type R vs vew Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years: practicality

Space and practicality

Front space, rear space, seating flexibility, boot

Despite being two of the most exciting hot hatches on sale, the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years don't ask you to sacrifice too much practicality. Both have plenty of leg and head room in the front, and there are numerous cubbies dotted around their interiors, plus you get wireless phone charging pads in both. 

In the back, seatbelts are provided for only two passengers in the Type R, and six-footers will find their hair brushing the ceiling if they sit up straight, whereas there's more head room for the three passengers that the R20 can carry. However, the Type R offers more leg room, allowing rear seat passengers to stretch out more. 

Both cars' rear seatbacks split and fold in a conventional 60/40 arrangement. With them up, the Type R's boot is far longer and taller than in the R20's and can swallow eight carry-on suitcases – three more than its rival can manage. However, unlike the Type R, the R20 comes with a ski hatch that allows you to carry long, thin items without having to fold the seatbacks down.

Boot space

Honda Civic Type R

Boot 410-1212 litres Suitcases 8

Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years

Boot 374-1233 litres Suitcases 5

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