Skip advert
Advertisement

Mugen's Honda Civic Type-R

First official pictures of Honda's Megane R26.R rivalling Civic Type-R hot hatch

The first pictures of Honda’s Mugen-tuned Civic Type-R hot hatch have been released. We heard rumours of the more hardcore Honda a few weeks ago, and these official pictures back them up quite nicely.

While there’s still no specific details regarding mechanical tweaks, a tuned version of the stock hot hatch’s 2-litre VTEC petrol engine is set to boast 237bhp and 160lb ft of torque, respective rises of 39bhp and 18lb ft.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There’s set to be stiffened suspension while the upgraded Brembo brakes from the rather fantastic Mugen RR should hopefully be housed behind the new alloys. That’s a car we drove last year and were left hugely impressed by, and until the Renaultsport Megane R26.R came along it was the quickest front-driven car we’d tested around the Bedford Autodrome.

Renault’s hot hatch hero is the natural rival to Mugen’s Civic, and as a result expect the Type-R to boast a stripped-out interior and some trick trackday tyres. The tweaks are set to be offered in stages or all in one go, too, as well as retro-fit to existing Civic Type-Rs. Probably good news when you consider the projected £35,000+ price tag for a full-on Mugen Civic.

Click here to read our review of the Mugen RR and the Renaultsport Megane R26.R

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026
Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3
Polestar 3
In-depth reviews

Polestar 3 review – electric SUV updated to face the BMW iX3

Polestar’s stylish electric SUV has big competition now from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so an update was in order
18 Sep 2026
The Ferrari Luce reminds me of a £2k Peugeot, but then I am just a man with a Biro
Ferrari Luce Le Mans
Opinion

The Ferrari Luce reminds me of a £2k Peugeot, but then I am just a man with a Biro

We’re all armchair experts in car design, but in reality it requires real skill, says Porter
18 Sep 2026