For more than 30 years, Honda’s Type R models have represented the brand’s high-performance pinnacle. First introduced on the Japanese market NSX mid-engined supercar in 1992, the Type R badge has been reserved for Honda’s fastest and most driver focused models. Engineered using the lessons learned from the brand’s extensive motorsport success, these machines have always showcased Honda’s innovative engineering and dedication to driving pleasure.
In Europe, the Type R story started in 1997 with the arrival of the DC2 Integra, a compact coupe that immediately won acclaim from both customers and critics for its thrilling performance and engaging handling. This was soon joined by the larger and more practical Accord Type R, which was the first red badge model to be developed exclusively for Europe. Both these cars attracted a loyal following among fans, their blend of high-revving naturally aspirated engine, precise manual gearbox and track-honed suspension helping cement Honda’s reputation for delivering driving joy and engineering excellence.
However, it is the Civic Type R that has turned the famous red badge into a global high-performance icon. The first version of this ‘hot hatch’ appeared in Japan in 1997 and featured a highly tuned 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that revved to 8,200rpm and delivered 185hp (182bhp). European buyers had to wait until 2001 and the all-new second generation version, but its impact was instant, with thousands of customers and rave reviews from the motoring press.
Since then, every generation of Civic Type R has gone on to become a class benchmark, setting new standards for what is possible for an affordable and practical performance car. As a result, more than 70,000 units will have been sold across the region by the time this famous and much-loved model finally bows out of Europe in 2026.
Civic Type R (EP3) 2001-2005
Although it wasn’t the first Civic Type R, the distinctively designed EP3 was the first to wear the red badge in Europe. Built at Honda’s UK factory in Swindon, the all-new model introduced the now iconic normally aspirated 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC ‘K20A’ engine, which delivered a competitive 200hp (197bhp) and revved to an incredible 8,250rpm.
Compared to the standard Civic it featured high performance extras including uprated brakes, a close-ratio six-speed transmission and a body shell that made extensive use of high-tensile steel to increase torsional static rigidity.
For the suspension there was a sophisticated set-up that included toe-control link struts at the front and reactive-link double-wishbones at the rear. This was combined with new electric power steering (EPS) and variable gear ratio (VGR) for a highly rewarding steering feel and feedback.
Civic Type R (FD2) 2007-2011
For the third generation Civic Type R, Honda created uniquely different European and Japanese versions. The former was based on the FN2 hatchback, which retained a lightly modified version (‘K20Z4’) of its predecessor’s high-revving 2.0-litre engine, but wrapped in an even more eye-catching exterior. It also introduced a new chassis that moved the fuel tank beneath the front seats to improve interior space and flexibility.
A greater emphasis on refinement meant the FN2 was more comfortable and quieter in everyday use, but with its specially tuned Type R suspension and steering it was just as thrilling to drive as ever. While, in 2008, a special Championship White edition was launched, which added a limited slip differential.
Finally, in the UK, 22 lucky customers had the chance to buy the Type R Mugen. Tuned by Honda’s legendary Japanese tuning company, it packed a 2.2-litre 240hp (237bhp) engine that featured revised pistons, cams, ECU and exhaust.
Civic Type R (FK2) 2015-2017
When Honda launched the FK2 Civic Type R in 2015, it moved its iconic hot hatch into the turbocharged era for the first time. Tireless development of the new ‘K20C1’ 2.0-litre delivered the highest power output ever for a four-cylinder Honda unit, with an incredible 310hp (306bhp). Yet it also retained the model’s advanced VTEC valve-timing and intoxicating high-revving nature.
To ensure the Civic delivered control as well as power, Honda introduced its Dual Axis Strut Suspension, which when paired with a limited-slip differential helped eliminate the torque steer normally associated with powerful front-wheel drive cars, and adaptive dampers.
It also debuted the +R driver mode that was developed for the fearsome Nürburgring circuit in Germany, where the FK2 immediately set the lap record for a front-wheel drive production car with a time of 7 minutes 50.6 seconds.
Civic Type R (FK8) 2017-2021
Arriving in 2017, the FK8 elevated the Civic Type R back to the top of the hot hatch class. A significant evolution of the FK2, the new car featured a sophisticated new multi-link rear suspension set-up, yet it was lighter than its predecessor and featured a stiffer bodyshell.
Further fine-tuning of the K20C1 engine boosted power to 320hp (316bhp) and the top speed to a supercar-rivalling 272kph (169mph). Extensive aerodynamic upgrades included a large rear wing, front splitter and motorsport-inspired flat undertray, all of which combined to deliver genuine downforce for enhanced high-speed grip and stability. As a result, it set the Nürburgring record once again, lapping the 20.6km circuit in a time of 7 minutes 43.8 seconds.
In 2020, Honda revealed the even more driver-focused Civic Type R Limited Edition, of which just 100 examples were made, all finished in distinctive Sunlight Yellow. Featuring lightweight forged alloy wheels and a stripped-out interior (the air-conditioning, infotainment and various sound-deadening panels were removed), this exclusive and collectable version was 47kg lighter than the standard car.
Civic Type R (FL5) 2022-2025
The culmination of more than 25 years of Type R development and innovation, the FL5 Civic has become one of the most celebrated high-performance cars ever. Featuring new technologies and refined aerodynamics, it is the fastest, most rewarding and addictive Civic Type R ever built.
Tweaks to the familiar 2.0-litre engine have liberated even more power, with a peak output of 330hp (325bhp) helping the Civic race from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in just 5.4 seconds. The suspension and steering have been further refined, while bespoke Michelin tyres ensure incredible grip and handling precision.
Just as importantly, the FL5 retains the quick and positive six-speed manual gearbox that has become a Type R trademark, endearing it to driving enthusiasts across Europe. It has also continued the Civic’s impressive track record at the Nürburgring, where it once again set a new fastest time for a front-wheel drive production car.
Civic Type R motorsport
Developed using lessons learned from Honda’s rich motorsport heritage, it is no surprise the Civic Type R has proved to be as successful on the track as it has on the road. Over the years, the Type R’s credentials have been tested to the limit in the white heat of competition, winning numerous races and championships against the stiffest opposition.
The Civic has proved to be particularly successful in touring car racing, which features some of the most closely fought series in the world. Using an FK2 model prepared by long-time Honda racing partner JAS Motorsport, Honda secured the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in 2013. The Civic has also tasted success in gruelling endurance races, with class victories at both the fearsome Nürburgring 24 hours and the Fuji 24 hours.
The Civic has experienced its greatest achievements in the TCR touring car category, which was first revealed in 2015. Designed for front-wheel drive hatchbacks with turbocharged engines of up to 2.0-litres it attracted a whole host of brands to join up and race.
Yet despite the intense competition, TCR versions of the FK2, FK8 and FL5 have proved to be the most successful cars in the formula. Developed by JAS Motorsport, these models have achieved more than 500 race victories across the globe, winning the world manufacturer’s championship along the way, as well as national titles in countries as varied as Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, UK and Spain.
One of the Civic’s earliest on track achievements came in 2002, when a race-prepared EP3 won a round of the British Touring Car Championship for the first time. However, it wasn’t until the FK2 debuted that the Civic really hit its stride in the UK, winning five BTCC manufacturer’s and driver’s titles respectively between 2010 and 2016.
Success hasn’t been limited to the track, because the Civic Type R has also proved to be a hit in the rugged world of rallying. Using an FN2 built to R3 regulations by JAS Motorsport, Honda has secured the prestigious 2WD Cup in the 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC), as well as back-to-back victories in the same category in the 2013 and 2014 European Rally Championship.