Honda Civic Type R vs Ford Focus ST

We’re getting to the bottom of Honda Civic Type R vs Ford Focus ST with a comparison on performance and power, handling and driving experience, interior and technology, and practicality and running costs.

The UK has always had a love affair with the hot hatch. Practical enough for everyday life but exciting enough to make every B‑road blast a joy, cars like the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST have earned cult followings, consistently topping buyer shortlists. Both models bring a strong reputation and passionate fan bases, but which is the right car for you?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Honda Civic Type R vs Ford Focus ST.

Performance and power

Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R has a reputation as one of the most driver‑focused hot hatches on the UK market. Delivering between 306bhp – 329bhp depending on the generation, there’s no denying the thrill of the Type R. With sharply tuned suspension, limited-slip diff, and excellent grip, there’s a reason these cars are so enjoyable to drive. Honda has refined rather than reinvented, delivering sharper steering, improved chassis rigidity, and impressive balance. Key features include:

• 2.0‑litre turbocharged engine
• 0–62mph in around 5.4 seconds
• Manual gearbox only – a big win for driving enthusiasts

Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST remains a favourite for UK buyers thanks to its blend of power and everyday usability. A lower price point also means less power, but that doesn’t take away from the driving experience. Delivering between 247bhp and 276bhp depending on generation, Ford offers their hot hatch with either a manual or automatic gearbox, which is a plus for those who distinctly prefer a certain way of driving. The Focus ST is playful, punchy, and more forgiving on rough roads. Key features include:

• 2.3‑litre EcoBoost engine
• 0–62mph in around 5.7 seconds
• Available with a manual or automatic

The Civic Type R is the more potent and track‑focused machine, while the Focus ST offers strong performance with more transmission choice.

Handling and driving experience

Honda Civic Type R

Honda’s engineering pedigree shines here. With adaptive dampers, limited‑slip differential, and precise steering, the Civic feels like a road‑legal touring car. It excels on smooth B‑roads and offers confidence‑inspiring grip even in wet weather. It’s engineered for drivers who value accuracy; tight cornering, firm suspension, and a track‑ready feel. Just be aware that ride comfort can be firm, especially on older FK2 models.

Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST is known for being playful; it’s more relaxed but arguably more fun at everyday speeds. Ford’s chassis tuning gives it a slightly softer, more forgiving ride than the Civic. With a slightly softer ride and a more playful chassis, it’s ideal for buyers wanting thrills without the intensity. It’s also the more comfortable commuter, especially in Mk4 form.

In short, the Type R is razor sharp, responsive, and track-ready, whereas the Focus ST is more compliant, forgiving, and fun at sensible speeds

Interior and technology

Honda Civic Type R

Sporty bucket seats, driver-focused controls, and a cockpit that feels special. The boot space in the Type R is generous, and practicality is excellent. The infotainment on older models can feel dated, but the driving experience more than makes up for it. The digital dash and high-quality build throughout make it feel like the car has been designed around the driver.

Ford Focus ST

The Focus ST is more comfortable for daily use, with supportive seats and user-friendly infotainment, especially the SYNC 3 and SYNC 4 systems. The interior design isn’t as dramatic as the Type R, but it’s generally more ergonomic, and feels a bit more familiar and practical. It lacks the drama of the Civic’s cabin but makes up for it with everyday comfort.

The Civic’s interior feels more special and performance-oriented whereas the ST prioritises usability.

Practicality and running costs

Honda Civic Type R

The Type R is more economical than you might expect given its power stats, and it is a practical five-door hatchback with an exceptional reliability record. Servicing costs are typically above average and insurance groups are higher, but the Honda Civic Type R retains strong resale values, which is great news if you plan on selling later.

Ford Focus ST

The Ford Focus ST generally has lower insurance and maintenance costs, and parts are more affordable and widely available. On top of this, more choice on the used market means the purchase price is lower. However, the ST depreciates a lot quicker than the Type R, which may deter some buyers who are planning on selling later on. In terms of practicality, the softer suspension makes it the better commuter.

If you’re budget‑conscious, the Focus ST is the easier car to live with. The Type R is more expensive, but holds value better, which is ideal if you’re thinking long‑term.

Styling and road presence

Honda Civic Type R

Bold, aggressive, and instantly recognisable. Even older FK2 and FK8 models stand out on the road with their wings, vents, and wide arches. Not everyone loves the look, but fans adore it. The newest version has a more ‘mature’ design, but it’s still not what you'd call understated.

Ford Focus ST

Sporty without shouting about it. Sporty but more subtle. For buyers who want performance without shouting about it, the ST’s styling is the more discreet choice. It blends in more easily but still has plenty of hot hatch presence.

If you want attention, pick the Type R. If you prefer subtlety, the ST is your car.

Honda Civic Type R vs Ford Focus ST

If you’re after a proper driver’s car with track-level performance and strong resale values, the Honda Civic Type R is the model for you. If you want the performance alongside a fun daily driver but without the high running costs and premium purchase price, the Ford Focus ST will fit your lifestyle. Both are brilliant in their own ways; it just depends what kind of driver you are.