Honda Civic Type R Says Bye Bye
Honda is phasing out the Civic Type R in Europe, and it’s doing so with a limited-run send-off dubbed the Ultimate Edition.
Key Points
- Honda is ending Civic Type R sales in Europe, citing new GSR2 safety regulations that the current model does not meet.
- A limited-run Ultimate Edition will mark its farewell, with just 40 units finished in Championship White, featuring red graphics, carbon details, and a commemorative gift box.
- While discontinued in Europe, the Civic Type R will continue in other markets, including the U.S. and Japan, with no mechanical changes to its 324-hp turbocharged engine.
It's the end of the road for one of Europe's most beloved hot hatches, which will be forced to exit due to tightening emissions regulations—the same GSR2 regulations have already claimed the Subaru WRX STI and the Porsche 718. Luckily, Honda says the Civic Type R will remain available to North American and Japanese shoppers.
The Ultimate Edition arrives exclusively in Championship White and was given a few aesthetic mods to distinguish it from the regular car.
Red stripes run the hood and side skirts, while the roof is painted in contrasting black. A carbon fiber rear wing and matching interior trim on the door sills and center console also join the package. Red floor mats with a metal Type R badge and illuminated door projectors round out the differences.
Buyers will also receive a commemorative gift box containing a carbon key ring, custom floor mats, a car cover, and a numbered emblem to identify the car’s position in the 40-unit series.
Under the hood, nothing changes. The car retains its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 324 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Power moves to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, with the sprint to 62 mph coming in 5.4 seconds.
Pricing for the Ultimate Edition hasn’t been disclosed, but it will certainly demand a premium over the standard Civic Type R, which is already priced at £51,905 in the UK and €58,900 in Germany. Emissions-based taxation has made the Civic Type R prohibitively expensive in other countries as well.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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