Mercedes Benz is the new kid on the hot hatch block with their A45 AMG, while the Honda Civic Type R has been dominating the scene for decades. The Honda Civic is currently worth around AED 204,999, and the Mercedes Benz AMG A45 4MATIC+ is worth around AED 223,900.
But the real question here is whether the Germans did it better as they always do. Or if this is still Japan’s hood. We’ll find out in a bit as we put both of these cars in a head-to-head comparison: Honda Civic Type R vs. Mercedes Benz AMG A45 4MATIC+. But first, let’s talk about Mercedes Benz and Honda.
Honda
Honda is widely recognized for its reliability, innovative engineering, and value across its diverse range of vehicles, making it a famous brand in the UAE. Models like the Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V have strong followings due to their fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and lasting performance.
Known for precision-engineered engines and excellent build quality, Honda offers cars that suit urban commuting, family needs, and even adventure travel. With options ranging from sedans to SUVs and even hybrid variants, Honda meets various demands while maintaining affordable maintenance and high resale value—qualities that make it a trusted choice among UAE drivers.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is renowned globally for its blend of luxury, innovation, and performance. Known as a pioneer in automotive excellence, the brand offers a diverse lineup in the UAE, from elegant sedans like the E-Class and S-Class to powerful SUVs like the GLE and GLS.
Mercedes-Benz cars are celebrated for their cutting-edge technology, high-quality interiors, and sophisticated design. Features like MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), advanced safety systems, and AMG performance options make these vehicles highly desirable in the UAE. Mercedes-Benz provides a range that caters to both luxury enthusiasts and performance-driven drivers, reinforcing its prestigious reputation in the region.
Honda Civic Type R vs. Mercedes Benz AMG A45 4MATIC+: Editor’s POV
The Civic is race-born. It’s no secret that It has been a racecar from the start, but that Type R badge takes things to another level. It may not seem like a big deal, but put the Type R on a track, and you’ll see a jaw-dropping lap from the Type R. We cannot say the same about the A45 AMG, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fast.
The Civic doesn’t look that fast; that’s what gets you. The A45 AMG looks sharp and is quicker than the Civic any day. In fact, it’s currently the most potent hatchback out there, with a whopping 415 hp and a turbo the size of your forehead. Which one is better? We’ll find out in a bit as we compare these vehicles in terms of performance, interior, safety, and driver assistance features.
Performance
Let’s have a look at the performance figures of these sporty hatchbacks:
| Specs | Honda Civic Type R | Mercedes Benz AMG A45 4MATIC+ |
| Engine | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Forced Induction | Turbo | Turbo |
| Displacement | 1996cc | 1991cc |
| Transmission | 6 MT with Rev Match Control | 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT |
| Drivetrain | Fwd | 4wd |
| Power | 315 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 500 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 sec | 3.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h (limited) | 270 km/h |
| Fuel Economy | 13.4 km/l | 13.1 km/l |
| Weight | 1452 kg | 1,625 kg |
As evident from this table, the Germans are overall better performers. There is a considerable difference in the 0-100 km/h and top speed of these cars. Although the A45 AMG is almost 200 kg heavier than the Civic, it compensates for this fact by having 500 Nm torque, 100 Nm more than the Civic. The A45 AMG offers a DCT transmission, casually disrespecting Civic’s manual transmission.
Interior
Let’s compare the interiors of these cars side by side:
| Specs | Honda Civic Type R | Mercedes Benz AMG A45 4MATIC+ |
| No. of seats | 4 | 4 |
| Seat Material | sports seats with suede-effect upholstery | ARTICO leather/MICROCUT microfibre upholstery |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes | Yes |
| Multimedia | 10.2’’ TFT + 9-inches NAV | 2x 10.25-inches MBUX |
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Lighting | Yes | customizable 64-color ambient lighting |
| Sunroof | Unavailable | Panoramic Sunroof |
| Sound System | Bose premium sound system | Burmester surround sound system |
| Seat Functions | sports bucket seats | power-adjustable front seats with memory functions |
| Boot Capacity | 420 liters | 370 liters |
The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG also wins this round. The Civic Type R has a better boot capacity, but other than that, everything is better in the Mercedes-Benz.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Here, we will compare the safety and driver assistance features of the new Mercedes Benz AMG A45 4MATIC+ with the Honda Civic Type R;
| Specs | Honda Civic Type R | Mercedes Benz AMG A45 4MATIC+ |
| Airbags | 10 Airbags | 8 Airbags |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | Yes | Yes |
| Automated Emergency Braking (AEB) | Collision Mitigation Braking System | Active Brake Assist |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive cruise control | Adaptive cruise control |
| ISOFIX | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Power Steering (EPS) | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | Unavailable | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) | Unavailable | Yes |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Indirect TPMS | Tire Defect Indicator |
| Hill Start Assist (HSA) | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) | VSA | DSC |
| Traction Control (TRC) | Yes | Yes |
| Heads-Up Display (HUD) | Unavailable | Yes |
| Lane Departure Assist | Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) | Active Lane-keeping Assist |
| Lane Change Assist | Unavailable | Lane Change Assist |
| 360 Cameras | Unavailable | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Front and Rear | Front and Rear (PARKTRONIC) |
The Mercedes Benz AMG A45 4MATIC+ is definitely safer and has better driver assistance features than the Honda Civic Type R. Honestly, we expected more from the Civic Type R, but let’s be honest: Honda vs. Mercedes Benz isn’t going to be victorious for Honda.
The AMG may be faster, more luxurious, and safer, but the Civic Type R won’t be displaying a check engine light after every week. Hope you liked this comparison. Leave a comment to tell us about your opinion.