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Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Honda Bids Europe Farewell with Final Civic Type R ‘Ultimate Edition'
The FL5 Honda Civic Type is on its way out in the Old Continent. This is its final hurrah. Why FL5 Civic Type R Is Bowing Out The sixth-gen Honda Civic Type R has had a wonderful run. Introduced in 2022, the Japanese hot hatch set numerous lap records for a front-wheel-drive model in various countries during its reign – the most famous of which was its stint at the dreaded Nürburgring. Its race car spin-offs were also a roaring success, including regional touring car championships. However, the FL5 Civic Type R is nearing the end of its life cycle, with production halted due to ever-changing European legislation regarding more stringent emission laws for vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Of course, Honda isn't letting it go without a proper send-off: meet the Civic Type R 'Ultimate Edition.' Civic Type R Ultimate Edition: What Makes It Special The Civic Type R Ultimate Edition is exclusively sold in Honda's Championship White signature paint color. What sets it apart from other red-badged Honda Civics is bespoke red decals across the hood and the sides, with red stripes to match the iconic Type R logo. The roof is also painted black, while carbon detailing is added to the rear wing and doorstep garnish. Inside, Honda added carbon accents to the center console panel. Ambient lights are also enhanced, found on the door lining, cup holder, center console, footwell, and under the seats. There's also an exclusive Type R projection when doors are opened, working as puddle lights for the occupants. A Limited Farewell: Only 40 Units for Europe Apart from being the last of its kind, the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition will also be limited – only 40 units will be available across Europe. Each lucky owner will get a special celebratory gift box containing a numbered emblem (1 to 40), a carbon key ring, custom-made floor mats, and a car cover. Pricing for the Ultimate Edition wasn't disclosed, but we'd wager it won't be cheap considering that the regular Civic Type R isn't exactly affordable in the Old Continent. US availability is unknown at this point, but we expect a similar send-off from the automaker's American division. What's Next For Honda's Iconic Hot Hatch? Honda hasn't fully committed to its plan for the next-generation Civic Type R, but electrification is rumored to be in the cards. That said, Honda is adamant about keeping the fun character of the Type R despite getting battery power, so that's something we can watch out for in the next few years. About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Honda Says It's Forced to Kill The Civic Type R In Europe
Honda is saying sayonara to the Civic Type R in Europe with a final send-off aptly named the Ultimate Edition. Sales of the Japanese hot hatch will come to an end next year on the Old Continent. Before it bows out, the compact performance car is available in any color you like as long as it's Championship White. To spice things up, red stripes accent the hood and sides, while the roof comes exclusively in black. To sweeten the deal, Honda includes a carbon fiber rear wing on the Ultimate Edition. More carbon fiber appears inside, with door sill trims and a center console upgrade, while eye-catching red floor mats feature a metal Type R badge. To drive home the point that this isn't your average Civic, projectors built into the front doors display a red and white Type R logo. As a final treat for European buyers, the send-off comes with a gift box containing a carbon key ring, a numbered emblem, and even a car cover. Photo by: Honda Mechanically, nothing changes. The Civic Type R Ultimate Edition retains its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, producing 324 horsepower and 310 pound-feet (420 Newton-meters) of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, enabling a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 5.4 seconds. So why is the Civic Type R leaving Europe anyway? Honda says it's essentially being forced to retire the CTR. Hannah Swift, Head of European Strategy and Product, notes that 'The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation.' In other words, stricter emissions regulations have claimed another victim. Pricing details haven't been disclosed, but the Civic Type R is already notoriously expensive in several European markets, thanks to steep taxes on high-emission vehicles. In the Netherlands, for example, the standard CTR is already a $100,000 + car, before options. While the hot hatch is on its way out, Europeans can take some solace in knowing a different kind of sporty Honda is on the horizon. The reborn Prelude will arrive in the first half of 2026 as a 2+2 coupe with a hybrid powertrain and simulated gear shifts. It's unlikely to match the CTR's engagement, but at least some of the fun lives on. 2026 Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition 7 Source: Honda Catch Up With Honda: Honda Is Developing a Powerful Hybrid For America The New Honda GT Is a Screen Nightmare Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Honda Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The New Nissan Micra Is Actually a Reskinned Renault 5
Nissan is trying to bounce back after enduring more than a few rough years. It lost $4.5 billion in the past 12 months and is planning drastic changes to cut costs . The troubled automaker is laying off 20,000 workers and closing seven factories before the decade's end. But the Re:Nissan plan isn't just about slashing expenses. It also includes several new models. We've already seen the next-gen Leaf crossover as a global model, and now Nissan has something specifically for Europe. The Micra returns to the Old Continent after a two-year hiatus, but with an electric twist. Unlike the five preceding generations, the subcompact hatchback is no longer powered by a combustion engine. Instead, it's now fully electric, using the Renault 5 as its basis. Photo by: Nissan The badge-engineered Micra does have redesigned front and rear ends with circular lights to differentiate Nissan's version from the donor car. The profile isn't identical either, as there's a wide indentation below the beltline. However, the B-segment electric hatch retains the 'hidden' rear door handles mounted near the C-pillars. Extra plastic body cladding on the lower part of the doors gives it a bit of a Renault 4 vibe. Although it's a small car, it rides on 18-inch alloys offered in three designs, one of which includes wheel covers. While Nissan attempted to distance the Micra from the Renault 5 , the connection becomes clear once you step inside. The cabin is largely carried over from its French counterpart. All versions feature dual 10.1-inch screens mounted on a dashboard slightly angled toward the driver. Plenty of physical controls are below the central air vents, offering a layout that should please everyone. Ambient lighting in 48 colors is a rare treat in this segment. Nissan intends to offer the new Micra with two battery choices: 40 kWh and 52 kWh. Stick with the base pack and the diminutive EV delivers 121 horsepower. Upgrade to the larger battery, and the e-motor mounted at the front axle produces 148 hp. Torque output also varies with battery size: 166 lb-ft (225 Nm) or 181 lb-ft (245 Nm). Photo by: Nissan The Micra is estimated to cover 193 miles (310 kilometers) on a single charge with the 40-kWh battery, and 254 miles (408 kilometers) with the 52-kWh pack. There's a notable weight difference between the two configurations: Nissan quotes a curb weight of 3,086 pounds (1,400 kilograms) for the smaller battery, and 3,360 lbs (1,524 kg) for the long-range version. So, how small is the Micra? It's under four meters (157.4 inches) long and less than 1.8 meters (70.8 inches) wide, with a 2.54-meter (100-inch) wheelbase. Much like the Renault 5, it will be offered exclusively with a five-door layout. Unusual for a car in this class, it features a multi-link rear suspension, inherited from the R5. The Alpine A290 hot hatch is also built on the AmpR Small platform for those seeking a more exciting drive. Nissan will launch the new Micra across Europe by the end of this year, once Renault begins production at its Douai plant, where the R5 has been built since 2024. The Micra isn't Nissan's only new EV for Europe. Next year, the Juke will also go electric and take inspiration from the Hyper Punk concept . Additionally, the reborn Renault Twingo will spawn a Nissan equivalent as well in 2026. 2026 Nissan Micra 107 Source: Nissan Up To Speed With Nissan: Nissan's New Boss Candidly Admits What Went Wrong Nissan Would Sell a New Xterra Tomorrow If It Could Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Nissan Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
