Iconic car brand discontinues record-breaking hot hatch in UK after just three years as model given ‘ultimate send-off'
The FL5-generation
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The UK's Honda Civic Type R launched in 1997 - and became a record-breaker on the track
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The Civic Type R 'Ultimate Edition' will provide a bittersweet swansong
Credit: Honda
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Only 10 will be available in the UK
Credit: PA
Forty final Ultimate Edition models with a classic Championship white paint job, and red accents, including a central pinstripe, are being made as a swansong - but is likely to cost more than the regular Type R (£48,900).
Just 10 of these special edition motors will be available in the UK - and these will be available on a first come first serve basis, according to Honda.
The news will come as a bittersweet blow to petrol heads, with the FL5 having broken countless front-wheel drive lap records during its short reign.
Honda's European strategy boss Hannah Swift put the axing down to the industry "changing" and an evolution of its model range "in accordance with European legislation".
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Those changes relate to stricter emissions standards in Britain and the EU, with which the Type R doesn't comply.
The four-wheel-drive hatch market comprises of the Golf R, Toyota GR Yaris and Mercedes-AMG A45 S - but all are risk due to the new regulations.
Several brands are instead moving to e-performance cars.
It comes 28 years after the first Civic Type R arrived as a grey import from Japan.
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Arriving in late 1997, before a second generation model in 2001, a third in 2007 and a fourth in 2015.
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Its fifth and sixth generations are widely regarded by experts as the finest driver's cars of the modern age.
According to the Honda website, the current Type R features a two litre- four cylinder VTEC TURBO engine and can accelerate from 0-100km/hr in 5.4 seconds.
It adds: "The Type R is the fastest front wheel drive car to have driven the legendary 5.8km Suzuka circuit."
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Key facts: Honda Civic Type R
Price:
£46,995
Engine:
2-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
Power:
329hp, 420Nm
0-62mph:
5.4 secs
Top speed:
171mph
Economy:
34mpg
CO2:
186g/km
Out:
January 2022
Ms Swift said: 'As we say farewell to a true icon of the Honda automobile line-up in Europe, we thought it was fitting to give the Civic Type R the ultimate send-off with this special edition model offering our customers a unique opportunity to celebrate its legacy.
"The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation.
"However, Type R has always been Honda's ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead.'
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