Honda Civic Type R

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Best New Sports & Performance Cars < $50K USD

It is my belief that the vast majority of true automotive enthusiasts are simple and pragmatic folk. This is by no means an evaluation of one’s IQ or financial means; rather, it’s an assertion that a good sports car only needs to deliver on some very basic but necessary principles.

Of course, the most important of those principles would be that the car provides an engaging experience and is fun to drive. Affordability will inevitably factor in as well, based on varying budget allowances—but for the most part, anything above and beyond that is kind of just fluff.

Needless to say, for those who enjoy a spirited drive in the canyons or a quick jaunt around town, just about any car that fits the aforementioned criteria will do just fine. A $30,000 sports car brimming with the right qualities will invariably offer the same sensations as a $200,000 supercar in those circumstances.

Sure, the supercar is going to accelerate faster, turn sharper and have a more exotic disposition, but this isn’t a competition for the best lap times; at this point, it’s all about how many grins and smiles were achieved.

Even in a motorsports setting, many of the cars on this list have built a reputation for offering superior bang-for-buck when it comes to the outcomes they produce during weekend track days or high performance driving events. When properly driven, any of the cars we’ve selected can give an exotic car a run for its money, subsequently giving the owners of those vehicles something to think about when the go to sleep at night—and it’s priceless moments like those that can be the most meaningful.

Here are the best new sports & performance cars under $50K USD.

Honda Civic Type R

Price:

Those who know me know how much I love this car. The Honda Civic Type R is the quintessential example of how performance and affordability can be synonymous, and I experience this with regularity on the race track as both a driver and observer.

The CTR continues to be powered by Honda’s most advanced K series engine to date—the turbocharged K20C1—which sends up to 306 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm to the front wheels.

New for 2021 is a Sport Line trim, which looks to scrap original car’s boy racer image, with a more refined and grown-up persona to take its place. This is an evolution of visual details above all else, with the absence of a large rear wing being by far the most notable difference. The Sport Line trim is, however, exclusive to European markets for now.

Ford Mustang GT

Price:

$37,480 USD (GT)
$41,480 (GT Premium)

The Ford Mustang GT is the most powerful entry on this list, producing 460 hp from its 5.0L naturally-aspirated V8 engine. While there’s a natural tendency to immediately compare it to other American cars in its category, the Ford Mustang GT also provides legitimate competition for the European heavyweights that operate in the affordable-high-performance-car space.

This is in large part thanks to an interior that’s on par with the very best available in this price range, while an advanced chassis—complimented by more standard safety, convenience and comfort features than ever before—really elevates the car into a fearsome contender in the grand touring playing field.

Stepping up to the GT Premium trim doesn’t improve performance, but it does provide a number of interior upgrades, such as a 9-speaker audio system and heated/ventilated seats.

Toyota GR Supra 2.0

Price:

$43,190 USD

While the sub-$50K restriction means that only the base model Toyota GR Supra qualifies, it still makes it onto this list because, well, the base model Supra is still a supremely good car.

Yes, the 382 hp 3.0L turbocharged straight-six version is a much more seductive proposition, but the 255 hp 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 in the base car will do just fine for those who have idealized the Supra’s chassis and appearances above all else. After all, you’re still getting an ideal 50:50 weight distribution, along with Adaptive Variable Suspension featuring a double-strut spring front suspension up front and multi-link suspension in the rear.

Only adrenaline junkies would find all that extra power useful in any way, and unless they’re on the race track, it’s probably not for legal purposes either. All of this allows the Supra to occupy a very attractive low-$40k entry in to the market, which is impressive for a car that bears such an iconic name.

BMW M240i

Price:

$47,345 USD (sDrive)
$49,545 USD (xDrive)

The BMW M240i is probably my favorite car on this list. Not only does the compact sports car boast a powerful 382 hp 3.0L turbocharged inline-6, but it’s available in both rear-wheel drive (sDrive) and all-wheel drive (xDrive) configurations, allowing the car to excel in just about any situation its owner demands.

The M240i is remarkably agile (as you would come to expect from such a taut figure), with a retuned suspension, larger brakes, variable-ratio steering system, and electronic rear-diff coming standard on the model.

The lower-trim 230i offers the same sensations as its M counterpart, but we’re going to go ahead and suggest you look exclusively at the M240i if you’re willing to spend around $50K on a car. Besides, forgoing the M240i will have you wanting all the things the 230i can only provide so much of.

Chevrolet Camaro LT1 / SS

Price:

$35,195 USD (LT1)
$38,695 USD (1SS)
$43,695 USD (2SS)

The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 is the model’s first foray into V8 territory, which allows it to offer a relatively low-priced entry into the world of 8-cylinder performance. Already producing as much as 455 hp from its 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 engine, the LT1 is a fantastic choice for those who want an unadulterated, no-nonsense sports car.

Stepping up to the 1SS and 2SS models doesn’t add any more power, but it provides more performance and convenience amenities—such as a transmission cooler, rear Brembo brakes, magnetic ride control, wider wheels, a different front bumper, and a standard 8″ touchscreen.

The Chevrolet Camaro LT1 and SS trims provide a modern interpretation of the iconic American muscle car, while packaging it in an everyday-livable package.

Mazda Miata

Price:

$26,830 USD (Sport)
$30,290 USD (Club)
$31,770 USD (Grand Touring)

The Mazda Miata has long staked its claim to being the world’s most beloved “driver’s car”. Despite being unapologetically simple and perpetually affordable, none of this has overshadowed the Miata’s capability and reputation as a fun-packed roadster over the past 3 decades.

Now in its fourth generation (ND), the latest Miata continues to embody all of that spirit while incorporating the latest automotive technologies, making for an even better performer without any penalty to its well established charisma.

All current Miata trims (Sport, Club, Grand Touring) are equipped with the same 181 hp 2.0L naturally-aspirated inline-4, though we would highly recommend going with the Club trim as it is the only one which offers the Brembo/Recaro/BBS package as an option. This would make it the sportiest model out of the three.

Tesla Model 3

Price:

$44,990 USD (Rear-wheel Drive)
$50,990 USD (Long Range)
$58,990 (Performance)

The Tesla Model 3 itself is a pretty revolutionary car, offering a currently unrivaled combination of performance, utility, range, and price. While our price ceiling restricts us to the Rear-Wheel Drive model (which uses a single electric motor), upgrading to the Long Range ($50,990) and Performance ($58,990) models would only take you just over the $50K mark, so they are certainly worth mentioning as well.

Aside from their dual-motor electric drivetrains offering better performance, these cars offer better range as well. The Long Range and Performance models offer well over 300 miles of range, while the Rear-wheel Drive is good for around 272 miles.

The Performance model would obviously be our pick of the lot, with its 450 hp and all-wheel drive allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in an impressive 3.1 seconds. It also benefits from a more sporty suspension, better better brakes, stickier tires, and a selectable Track Mode.

Audi TT Coupé

Price:

$49,800 USD

Ok, so the Audi TT only meets the criteria by a hair, and consideration of taxes, freight and other fees will certainly take it above the $50K mark. Nevertheless, we feel that it’s important to mention it on this list, as the Audi TT is still amongst the lowest priced cars in the luxury sports car category and it deserves to stand out. After all, its 228 hp 2.0L TFSI engine is class-leading, and you can always count on Audi’s craftsmanship and interior build quality.

While there’s always that temptation to describe the typical luxury sports car as “dull”, “numb” and “soft” , the Audi TT is anything but. It has sharp, agile handling character and possesses the driving dynamics of much more expensive cars.

While we’re obliged to recommend the RS trim—as it turns all of the above up to 11—we would be well into $70K territory, and that would be a big no-no for the purposes of this list.

Mini Cooper JCW GP

Price:

$44,900 USD

Dishing out north of forty-five grand for a Mini Cooper seems a bit hefty, but the John Cooper Works (JCW) GP is not your typical Mini Cooper, nor is it an ordinary car by any stretch of the imagination.

In fact, the JCW GP has extraordinary performance to go with its extraordinary appearance, with 301 hp produced from its compact but robust 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine. Arguably, that’s not even the most notable feature, as extroverted carbon fiber fender flares and a rear seat delete transform this Mini Cooper from cutesy-car to bold-showboater.

It has every right to beat its chest too, as it is one of the quickest production front-wheel drive cars in the world, able to crush the 0-60 mph benchmark in just 4.7 seconds. Its direct competitors are the likes of the Honda Civic Type R and Hyundai Veloster N, but as few would expect, the JCW GP is the most extreme of those, and would be more at home on the race track than on public streets.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Price:

$39,400 USD (Base)
$40,795 USD (Sport)
$41,345 USD (Ti)
$43,845 USD (Ti Lusso)
$44,345 USD (Ti Sport)

After an overhaul of the model in 2020, Alfa Romeo focused on smaller and more subtle improvements to the Giulia for the 2021 model year. Across the board, this means nicer interior materials, a new touchscreen infotainment system, and additional active-safety tech, which bring Alfa Romeo’s core sedan inline with its competition.

They sound like small changes, but together they make a huge difference. Alfa Romeo has raised the standard on its luxury and technology components—and you can see it, feel it and experience it.

There are five trim levels for the Giulia, each of which start under the $50K mark. All of them use the same 280 hp 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, with upstream trims offering more high-end amenities such as larger alloy wheels, 14-way power seats, luxury leather finishes, and more sporty features.

Kia Stinger

Price:

$33,090 USD (GT-Line)
$39,590 USD (GT)
$45,490 USD (GT1)
$50,390 USD (GT2)

While the Kia Stinger hasn’t uprooted the market like some thought it would, it is still one of the most attractive buys in the luxury small car class. It looks impressive, performs well and is priced about the same as most non-luxury brands’ comparable offerings.

It has been widely praised by the automotive press and generally receives high marks in all categories. That is what you would expect from luxury cars that command luxury prices, but you can get into a Kia Stinger for as low as $33,090.

That’ll get you the peppy 255 hp 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 GT-Line model, but stepping up to the GT, GT1 and GT2 trims will unlock the 3.3L twin-turbocharged V6 engine which produces 365 hp. This transforms the Stinger from sporty 4-door to athletic sports sedan, with the performance-oriented models also benefiting from a more robust suspension and bigger brakes.

Cadillac CT5-V

Price:

$47,795 USD

The Cadillac CT5-V is another car that just manages to cajole its way onto this list, being a smidge under the $50K threshold. The V-series transforms the otherwise underwhelming mid-sized luxury sedan from an uninspiring point-A-to-B-er into a muscular American saloon.

Spearheading this evolution is a 360 hp 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The V also benefits from magnetorheological dampers and stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires as standard fare, helping to provide drivers of this souped up CT5 with a more engaging experience centered around improved handling dynamics.

At under $50K before options, the CT5-V offers excellent value and costs less than its direct competition, which is comprised mainly of the luxury German marques.

Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ

Price:

$26,985 USD (86)
$28,845 USD (BRZ)

After much speculation, Toyota and Subaru recently confirmed that there will be a second generation of the popular sports car ‘twins’, which should be released sometime during 2022. Both companies will continue to co-develop and co-produce their own versions of the car, as they have done for the now-outgoing platform.

Naturally, there will be some improvements to the new car—most notably in the power department—but this will likely come at a higher sticker price. This means the current BRZ and 86 remain a strong buy, and we should also expect some special edition trims to be released before production comes to a close.

Some dealers may be incentivized to clear inventory in preparation for the new generation, so there may be some bargains to be had here, too. Either way, the hugely popular and affordable coupe and its ideal marriage to its 205 hp 2.0L naturally-aspirated boxer-4 engine is in no need of a new value proposition.

Mercedes-AMG A 35

Price: $46,900 USD

The Mercedes A-Class range may be the company’s entry-level offering, but once you give it the good ol’ AMG treatment, you can count on it being an impressive car. That’s where the Mercedes-AMG A 35 comes in, with the range-topping model getting an upgraded 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine which produces 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

All-wheel drive is also standard, as is a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, making for a package that starts to sound like a bargain at the sub-$50K mark. The optional adaptive suspension will take it above that territory, but this will be justified by the transformative nature it provides to the A 35’s handling and agility.

While there is certainly a plethora of AMG options which offer more performance, the A 35 is a highly desirable and capable option in the category in which it competes.

Dodge Charger R/T / Challenger R/T

Price:

$40,950 USD (Charger R/T)
$38,825 USD (Challenger R/T)

If you want V8 power for under $40K, then a Dodge Challenger (coupé) is your only choice. The Charger (sedan) comes in at just north of that mark. However, we don’t believe that anyone should feel as though they’re being pigeonholed into a decision, as they are both excellent cars on their own merits.

After all, the R/T trim in both platforms come equipped with a 5.7L naturally-aspirated hemi V8 which produces 370 hp. Amongst the other trims available, it really hits that “sweet spot” in the lineup, as it slots in between the economical V6 models and the more bonkers Scat/Hellcat versions.

The aforementioned Scat Pack will still keep the cars at around the $45K-$50K mark, but we feel that the R/T is a much better all-rounder and will certainly appeal to more buyers who are cross-shopping in this price range.

November 16, 2021 / Comments Off

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Honda Civic Type R Sport Line: An In-depth Look

Introduction

Now more than ever, I think it’s accurate to say that the “gentleman’s sports car” is in vogue. Made popular by the likes of Porsche – currently exemplified by the 911 GT3 Touring, in their case – there’s a growing call for performance models to start offering a less extroverted version of themselves. Of course, this does not have to come at the exclusion of automakers continuing to produce their more race-inspired cars, but rather as a complement to them. For an increasing number of car enthusiasts, less often means more, and subtlety is what makes the ultimate statement.

Let’s also establish the fact that the CTR is every bit as deserving as any other car that gets featured on our website. From a performance standpoint, the car is a proven winner: I continue to see this in person at just about every track day I attend where, when under the control of a capable driver, the Type R always gives exotic cars a run for their money and humbles more of their respective owners than they’d prefer to admit.

Now with that settled, Honda has followed a tried-and-tested formula with their latest rendition of the CTR – the Honda Civic Type R Sport Line. As the third distinctive variant (with the standard and Limited Edition models being the other two), the Sport Line model looks to scrap the boy racer image, with a more refined and grown-up persona to take its place. This is an evolution of visual details above all else, with the absence of a large rear wing being, by far, the most notable difference. Other relatively discreet changes – such as smaller 19″ wheels, plus the removal of most of the red exterior accents – collectively proclaim that the Sport Line is more about class than it is about sass.

Engine & Performance

Under the skin, the Sport Line shares all of the same underpinnings with the regular model. After all, the whole philosophy behind the “gentleman’s sports car” has never revolved around emasculating the car’s performance credentials. With all that being said, nothing has been changed in this department.

The CTR Sport Line continues to be powered by Honda’s most advanced K series engine to date – the turbocharged K20C1 – which sends up to 306 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm to the front wheels. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 168 mph. Mated to the engine is the same super-slick-and-buttery-smooth 6-speed manual transmission, which continues to be one of the CTR line-up’s most defining and impressive features.

These figures are virtually identical to the standard model, suggesting that the larger rear wing produces no drag penalty (and likewise offers no advantages) for those popular (albeit not truly meaningful) performance metrics. The CTR Limited Edition, however, can hit a higher top speed of 180 mph thanks to its lower weight.

Chassis & Handling

One complaint I have about the pre-2020 cars is that the electric power steering felt a bit numb and was way too light for a sports car. While this probably encourages more swashbuckling inputs from the driver – which is sometimes good for getting the front-wheel-drive car to properly rotate during turns and even get the rear end to slide a bit – I would’ve preferred a more analog experience.

After being released in 2016, Honda presented an updated version of the CTR at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon. Subsequent production models, including the Limited Edition and now the Sport Line, are based on that car, of which changes included a modified front suspension with new dampers. Honda claims that this should allow the car to handle more smoothly and steer with improved feel.

The most notable transformation for the Sport Line, other than the absence of the massive rear wing, would be the use of 19″ wheels (instead of 20″ as used on all other models). Not only is this a more understated styling cue, but it also gives the Sport Line an extra inch of tire sidewall, which helps improves ride quality and comfort on public roads. The chassis and suspension remain otherwise unchanged compared to the standard model; it’s hard to tell if the performance-related side effects from what effectively appears to be a cosmetic revision were intentional. Either way, it blends in well with the whole image of the car.

Feelings aside, the Civic Type R became the fastest front-wheel-drive car around the Nürburgring when it set a time of 7:43.80 back in 2017. So it is, by all accounts that matter, a legitimately fast car around the track. I would expect the newer versions of the CTR – particularly the Limited Edition model – to be even faster.

Design, Styling & Interior

Some other improvements to the 2020 CTR included a larger front grille being fitted to improve engine cooling, which the Sport Line is also the beneficiary of. Then, of course, there’s the aforementioned removal of the large rear wing, which is replaced by a much smaller decklid spoiler. The deletion of the red stripping normally highlighting the front lip, side skirts, and rear valance is a more subtle hint of the Sport Line’s pedigree, while the 19″ wheels provide the finishing touches on a more unassuming combination of form and function. Otherwise, the rest of the parts bin remains communal in all regards to exterior styling.

In terms of appearances, I’d like to think of the new Sport Line as what would happen if you gave a 20-year-old a $7,000 budget and a base Civic, then told them to option it using only OEM Honda parts (and that the standard rear wing was no longer available). That is neither a compliment nor a dig at the car’s subjective styling but more of an observation.

Inside, extra sound-deadening materials have been installed to enhance the grand touring experience, while black fabric seats replace the more popping red ones. The only immediately identifiable traits which suggest that the Sport Line is indeed still a Civic Type R are quintessential and iconic red Honda badges on the front grille and rear bumper, as well as the red Brembo brake calipers.

In the end, the more indistinct styling of the Sport Line won’t prevent the latest Civic Type R from remaining a polarizing figure amongst the car enthusiast community. Those who love it love it, but overall the CTR has never been overwhelmingly popular for its looks. In a way, this speaks volumes about how great of a performer it has to be in order to continue garnering the huge amount of praise it receives. So, did the Sport Line transform the CTR from a lively teen heartthrob to an introspective silver fox? Perhaps not, but overall, its intentions are completely transparent, so mission accomplished, I suppose.

Pricing

The Honda Civic Type R Sport Line will have an MSRP of £34,450 in Europe, though it will not be available in North America, at least for now. With the closure of the UK-based Swindon plant in 2019 – where the vast majority of CTRs were produced – there has been a much lower supply of new examples worldwide. This has been reflected in the soaring values of CTR models on the used market. Dealers were often seen listing brand new examples for way above their sticker prices, although Honda’s corporate branches have been cracking down on this practice as of late. Still, getting hold of a brand new CTR remains more challenging than it was in the past.

Verdict

supercars.net – 9/10

For the US marketplace, it is clear that Honda is happy with keeping the status quo of this “hot market” for CTRs, though Honda North America executives have not ruled out the possibility of bringing the Sport Line to our shores. For now, the company believes that the current roster of the standard car and Limited Edition model provides a happy medium for both the company and its loyal customers. I have to say, I agree with this decision; as much as I’d like to see the Sport Line over here, I think the “gentleman’s sports car” concept is more openly embraced on the other side of the Atlantic.

Objectively, the Honda Civic Type R Sport Line is a transparent, if not outright gimmicky, attempt at giving Honda’s popular sports car broader appeal. Aimed particularly at what looks to be an older and more mature customer base, the Sport Line ticks enough of the boxes that you’d expect; however, it ultimately falls short of shaking its reputation of being a predominantly younger enthusiast’s kind-of-car, even sans the massive rear wing. The upside? It’s still very much the Civic Type R we’ve come to love – and that’s not a bad thing.

What Other Experts Are Saying

Top Gear – 9/10

October 4, 2021 / Comments Off

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Honda Will Move Civic Type R Production to the U.S.

Goodbye to the Swindon Plant

Honda recently announced it would close the Swindon plant in Southwest England. This worried a few people because the Civic Type R is built there. However, we were sure Honda wasn’t going to let a thing like a closing plant keep it from producing its killer front-wheel-drive sports car. The company will simply bring the production of the vehicle to the U.S.

“Given our efforts to optimize production allocation and production capacity on a global scale, we have concluded that we will produce the Civic for North America in North America,” Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo told Automotive News.

The plant builds the Civic hatchback and the Civic Type R. t’s a major part of the company’s operations due to the fact that the Civic continues to be a high seller for the brand. The Swindon facility has been an important production plant for the car company for around 30 years, according to Motor Authority.

In addition to closing the Swindon plant in England, the company will close the Turkey plant that makes Civic sedans. While that’s less impactful for the enthusiast side of the market it’s still important to note. The company believes between American and Canadian facilities, it will be able to pick up the slack.

We certainly hope so. Honda’s 306-horsepower Civic Type R is a force to be reckoned with. The car is perhaps the best-driving front-wheel-drive car ever produced. The car gets rave reviews often, and Honda recently tweaked the model for 2019.

February 26, 2019 / Comments Off

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