Farewell Honda Civic Type R: Hot Hatch Pulled From Europe
Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition
After 28 years and six generations, the Honda Civic Type R is being pulled from the U.K. and European markets. However, to commemorate its long production run, Honda is building a limited-edition car.
Honda said it will remove the Civic Type R in 2026. "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.'
Sadly, the Honda Civic Type R does not comply with the stricter upcoming emissions standards set by the European Union and the U.K.
The aforementioned special edition car, monikered the Ultimate Edition, will celebrate the Civic Type R's legacy as it bows out in Europe. Only 40 cars will be produced (10 destined for the U.K.), each featuring signature Champion White paintwork with contrasting red stripes, a nod to the model's traditional interior color.
Honda Civic Type R
There's no mention of extra performance, but the sixth generation car it's based on develops 324 bhp and 310 lb-ft, meaning 0-to-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and 171 mph flat out.
The Honda Civic Type R also holds the crown for being the fastest front-wheel-drive car around Suzuka Circuit, Japan, with a time of 2`23".
The Honda Civic Type-R joins other axed front-wheel-drive hot hatches like the Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30N. This leaves the Volkswagen Golf and Polo GTI, Mini Cooper S, and its spicier JCW sibling.
Fortunately, the four-wheel drive hot hatch market is fronted by the Volkswagen Golf R, Mercedes-Benz AMG A45 S, and Toyota GR Yaris, and more manufacturers are releasing electrified alternatives.
Honda Civic Type R EK9
Honda never sold the first-gen (EK9) Civic Type R in the U.K. However, Honda introduced its second-gen EP3 into the market as an indirect Integra Type R replacement. And, by God, it caused a storm.
The Honda Civic Type R's 2.0-liter four-cylinder screamed to 8,000 rpm and developed 197 bhp at 7,400 rpm. This, combined with a stunning chassis and modest pricing, made it an immediate hit. They are a rarer sight on British roads today, but many fine examples still exist.
The spaceship-like FN2 arrived in 2007, powered by the same engine. However, Japan received a more powerful and lighter variant; the U.K. car was 153kg heavier than the previous model.
In 2015, the FK2 arrived with a turbocharged powerplant aimed at higher-powered machines; this was the first Type R to nudge nearly 170 mph. Finally, the fifth (FK8) and sixth (FL5) generation cars arrived in 2017 and 2023.
Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition
Many argue that the FK8 was the finest front-wheel-drive hot hatch of its time; some even said it was the best front-wheel-drive performance car full stop. Still, its styling unfavored against older models.
Finally, the FL5. This is a sublime machine that you can take the kids to school in before hitting some backroads. The chassis was beautifully balanced, the brakes had bite, and the tires had more grip.
We will be sad to see it go, but perhaps it is for the best. Cars are girthier now, which means more weight, and with stringent regulations, this could also result in less power. Type R's have allowed the driver to become part of the machine, and removing that engagement would break our hearts even more. Farewell, Honda Civic Type R.
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