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Honda is celebrating the legacy of its iconic Civic Type R hot hatch with a new 'Ultimate Edition' that marks the end of sales for the model in Europe - with 40 units available now across the region, alongside the remaining standard models.
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Super Hatch - GTi Hatchbacks
Background
Honda has now been making high performance Type R models for over a quarter of a century. And when it launched the sixth generation Civic Type R in 2022, it wanted to reward itself with the quickest, the most focused and the most thrilling car ever to bear this famous badge. Which is exactly what we got. Now this car is being retired. And to finish production, Honda has produced this exclusive Ultimate Edition version.
Honda always described this 'FK5'-series Type R as 'the fastest, most addictive yet secure and rewarding to drive model in Type R history'. This is officially the sixth generation version of this design, but Honda has actually used its famous Type R badge eleven times since it first appeared back in 1992, six times on the Civic. The engine of the previous generation 'FK8' model (a car launched in 2017) reappeared again here because combustion powerplants are no longer developed from scratch in this new EV era. But it was heavily evolved and was developed to fittingly close the chapter on Honda fossil fuel engine design. There'll never again be a Civic Type R quite like this one.
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Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 60000 | 60000 |
| Insurance group 1-50 | 43 | 43 |
| CO2 (g/km) | 186 | 186 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 171 | 171 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Min | Max |
| Combined Mpg | 34.4 | 34.4 |
| Length (mm) | 4594 | 4594 |
| Width (mm) | 1890 | 1890 |
| Height (mm) | 1407 | 1407 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 410 | 410 |
Driving experience
This Ultimate Edition model's drive dynamics are unchanged over the standard version. If you owned the previous generation Civic Type R, everything at first glance might seem familiar here but on closer inspection, everything is also quite different. Yes, the basic four cylinder 2.0-litre VTEC engine is basically the same, but it's been thoroughly re-worked, primarily with a more compact turbo featuring stronger, lighter blades. This reacts faster and builds up boost pressure quicker. Honda claims an improved power-to-weight ratio, more torque and a higher top speed from what is now one of the most powerful engine-per-litre packages in the class. All good. So you can expect a useful increase in the previous 'FK8'-series model's performance; think even further under 6 seconds (5.4s to be exact) for the 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 171mph. Expect a useful increase on the old model's 320hp output too. Rivals think you need 4WD to deal with this sort of performance, but the Civic Type-R is still defiantly front-driven.
Honda reckons the biggest gains over the previous model lie with chassis rigidity and handling performance - namely the updates made to steering and suspension. They're aimed at making the car more engaging and the driver feel more confident. Camber rigidity, which enhances front-end response, is up by 16% courtesy of significantly revised suspension geometry. Also crucial are the wider 265-section 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. The Brembo brakes have also been upgraded - mainly in terms of cooling, so they'll last longer on track days. An added duct in the front wheel arch and a set of vents behind it work together to push cooling air towards the discs - and pull hot air out.
There's also an upgraded exhaust, with improved back pressure to help with the faster turbo response. This Type R should offer richer aural fireworks too, thanks to a sound synthesiser which activates with the fieriest 'R+' drive mode. Or you can enhance the sound in the new 'Individual' drive mode menu, where the steering, adaptive dampers, rev match system and engine response can all be adjusted separately.
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Design and build
Designed to embody 28-years of hot hatch performance, this special model comes in trademark Championship White with bespoke red decals across both the bonnet and down the side of the vehicle that match its iconic badge. There is also a painted black roof, plus carbon details throughout, including a wing spoiler and doorstep garnish.Inside, the carbon theme continues with a centre console panel, while additional lighting calls out select interior features, including the door lining, cup holder, centre console, footwell and under seat illumination. On opening the front doors, there is also a Type R logo projector that enhances the unique appeal.As a special token, owners will receive a unique matching gift box containing a numbered emblem - from one to 40 - and a carbon key ring, alongside custom-made floor mats, and a car cover.
Otherwise, everything's as with an ordinary Civic Type R; so 19-inch wheels with grippy 265-section tyres. And inside, a bespoke instrument screen and a unique 10.2-inch central infotainment monitor. There's also red Type-R trim, a silver metal gear knob and track-style sports seats with suede-effect upholstery. You sit a little lower than in the previous model too. As with an ordinary Civic e:HEV, there's reasonable space for a couple of adults in the back seat. And a very decently-sized 410-litre boot.
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Market and model
For the few remaining Civic Type R models available for sale in the UK, prices start from around £52,000, but you'll need a chunk more than that (think closer to £60,000) for this 'Ultimate Edition' version, only 10 examples of which will be offered here. We covered the unique elements of this final edition model in our 'Design' section. And those of course are on top of the usual Type R spec. Which includes lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and featuring performance-tuned Brembo brakes. Plus there's a triple exhaust system, adaptive dampers and a driving mode set-up with a fiery 'R+' setting for track work. Talking of track work, in testing, this MK6 model rounded Japan's 2.2 mile Suzuka circuit in 2 minutes 23.120 seconds, setting a new lap record for front wheel drive cars. Honda is eyeing the Nurburgring Nordschleife record for front-driven models too.
Back to spec. Infotainment and connectivity benefit from a voice command system, the Honda 'Personal Assistant'. This is basically a next-generation voice control system in that it can respond to multiple commands: for instance "OK Honda, find me an Indian restaurant with WiFi and free parking". With this car, Honda is also offering the latest version of its Honda+ smartphone app, which includes remote vehicle locking and unlocking, plus 'intelligent geofencing', which alerts an owner if the vehicle breaches a pre-set 'geofence' zone. Plus there's the ability to send journey information from the app to the car's navigation system.
Safety-wise, there's the latest version of Hondas 'SENSING' camera safety package. This gives you a 100-degree front wide view camera, enhanced recognition technology, blind spot information, low speed braking control and Lane keep assist.
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Cost of ownership
If, as is very tempting, you thrash this Civic Type R absolutely everywhere, then you might as well stop reading now because nothing we're likely to say in this section will have any real-world relevance. You certainly won't get anywhere near the quoted fuel and emission stats -34.4mpg on the combined cycle and 186g/km of CO2.
What else? Well a front wheel drive car with this kind of performance will always eat its way through front tyres at a higher rate than normal, despite the efforts of Honda's 'Dual Axis Strut Front Suspension' system in resisting torquesteer. You'll probably be buying brake pads on a reasonably regular basis too, especially if you plan to take your Type R on track. A service every year or 12,000 miles is recommended and many customers will want to budget ahead for scheduled maintenance with fixed-price scheme called 'Five'. It includes five years' worth of maintenance, an extended warranty for this period and roadside assistance breakdown cover should the unexpected happen. This can be transferred to a new owner if you sell the car before the service plan has expired.
The three year 90,000 mile warranty is better than the package you get from many competitors too. In addition, surface corrosion is covered for three years, exhaust corrosion is covered for five years, chassis corrosion is covered for ten years and structural corrosion for twelve years.
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Summary
As Honda intended, this MK6 Civic Type R was indeed the most complete Civic Type R yet - and it bows out in style in this Ultimate Edition form. Previous models were fine for a blast but difficult to live with compared to obvious rivals. As the more mature look suggests, this sixth generation model is different, but even so, its racing instinct and competitive DNA have been perfectly preserved. Which is deeply impressive. This isn't the fastest, the grippiest or the most extreme hot hatch you could choose. But if you want the ultimate shopping rocket experience, it's still the one you might prefer when the tyre smoke clears.
It's incredibly fast, sounds great and there's more cornering traction than you'd ever believe would be possible from a front-driven hot hatch with this kind of power. If you choose a Civic Type R, it'll be because you've remembered why just why it was you wanted a hot hatch in the first place. And you'll revel in the extrovert, intoxicating driving experience it offers. There's nothing quite like it.
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