The Honda Civic Type-R is no more. Or rather it will be by the end of the year, when the Euro V emissions regulations become law and the Civic’s particulate and Nitrous Oxide outputs outlaw its remarkable VTEC engine.
It’s no secret that we don’t rate the current UK market Civic that highly alongside more potent turbocharged rivals such as the Megane 250 and Focus RS, but if natural aspiration is your thing, the 198bhp Type-R engine remains an intoxicating and increasingly rare thing.
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On sale since January 2007, UK production ends in October, although the Swindon factory will still be building the Type-R for markets such as Australia and South Africa. The last models have to be sold and registered by the end of December and to help shift them Honda has reduced the price of the Type-R GT to £19,495, a saving of £2230. The offer is available until the 29th September. So what about a potential replacement? Honda insists there’s no word from Japan about the Civic hatchback’s replacement (due in the next 12-18 months, so all is guesswork, but we will be intrigued to see if Honda sticks with natural aspiration when all around are turning to turbos, or adapts the hybrid system for an entirely new take on the Type-R.
Type-R triple test: Standard Type R tackles Champ White and 237bhp Mugen
