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Honda Civic vs BMW 1 Series

What's the difference?

VS
Honda Civic
Honda Civic

$47,200 - $72,600

2024 price

BMW 1 Series
BMW 1 Series

$49,990 - $86,900

2023 price

Summary

2024 Honda Civic
2023 BMW 1 Series
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 3, 1.5L
Fuel Type
-

-
Fuel Efficiency
8.9L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
4

5
Dislikes
  • Price, maybe
  • Limited availability
  • Likely a swansong

  • Lacks some features expected at this price
  • Real-world fuel economy
  • Busy ride
2024 Honda Civic Summary

Before we dive in, this isn’t your typical road test. 

That’s because there’s no road, per se. Instead, the majority of what you’re about to read comes from The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia.

You’ve read the headline, though, so you’re probably putting it all together: a Honda Civic Type R on a well-liked race track must be bliss. Let’s find out.

A very quick catch-up for those not in the know. The Honda Civic Type R (or CTR if you like) is the brand’s only performance model on sale after the demise of the NSX supercar. 

The current (FL5) CTR is a little over a year old, having been launched internationally in late 2022, but has only been on Aussie shores for a little while. In fact, we’ve already reviewed it for the road, back in April.

But Honda Australia was keen to get media behind the wheel in a setting it says the CTR thrives in - a racetrack. Its predecessor was a car loved almost universally, can this one live up to the new standard?

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2023 BMW 1 Series Summary

There was a big kerfuffle a few years back when BMW made the decision to switch its entry-level 1 Series hatchback from a rear-drive platform to a newer, more efficient front-wheel drive architecture, shared with its Mini sister brand.

Despite the concerns of a few enthusiasts and motoring writers, the impact of the change in driven wheels hasn’t harmed the 1 Series’ reputation or sales.

As with the equivalent entry-level small car models from BMW’s premium rivals, the entry grade 118i is an expensive car for what you get.

But does the 118i hatch have enough charm to transcend the price and spec concerns?

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Honda Civic 2023 BMW 1 Series

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