Goodbye Type R: Honda’s hot Civic bows out with limited-run Ultimate Edition

After 28 years and six generations, the Civic Type R’s days are soon to be numbered — in the UK, at least. But, before then, Honda has given its B-road brawler one last chance to entertain.

Yep, you read that correctly: the Type R has been canned. And if, like us, you grew up in a world where screaming VTEC-powered EP3 and FN2 Type Rs were quite literally on every street corner, that’s got to sting.

Truthfully, though, we can’t say we’re too surprised. Not because the latest iterations were poor performers — on the contrary, they’re some of the finest driving machines ever created — but because of their eye-watering price tags. With an on the road starting figure of nearly £52,000, adjusted for inflation, the new model is almost twice as expensive as the 2001 EP3. Ouch. Granted, that’s not an apples-to-apples comparison given the modern machine is far more capable, practical, and luxuriously equipped, but it’s also not the uber attainable pocket rocket it once was.

Honda argues that’s not the reason for the Type R’s demise, though. Instead, the Japanese giant cites a rapidly changing industry and ever-evolving European legislation, as the main catalysts behind the move. Does that mean an all-electric Type R could be on the cards? Who knows. In the meantime, though, they’ve given us a little something to mark the FL5’s passing: the Ultimate Edition.

First things first, it’s £57,905… So it’s not done itself any favours in the financial department. That said, as Honda’s pledged to build just 40 units for the whole of Europe, it’s rarity should help with resale values down the line. Plus, that extra cash does buy you some nifty upgrades.  

Styling-wise, there are new bold red decals applied to contrasting Championship White paintwork — the only suitable colour for a limited-run Honda special. Oh, and there’s a black roof, carbon rear spoiler, and a subtle boot lid badge to denote the Ultimate Edition. That carbon theme bleeds into the cabin, too. Both the centre console and kick plates are finished in the lightweight material, while new ‘elegance’ floor mats and an illuminated Type R pattern door projector, further separate this from the regular model. 

Any performance upgrades? A little more boost from the turbocharger, perhaps? Sorry, nope: from what we can tell, the Ultimate Edition is mechanically identical to the standard car. But then, why would you want to meddle with the Type Rs award-winning recipe anyway? From its ultra-responsive Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber, to its precisely engineered, mechanical-feeling gear change, the Ultimate Edition showcases all of the FL5’s greatest hits.

But is it really worth the £6,000 premium over the already pricey Type R? For most, probably not. However, for true diehard fans of the lineage, the thrill of owning one of the very last examples ever produced, is surely priceless. Tracking one down could prove tricky if you live in the UK, though. Just 10 examples are destined for our dealers — making this runout Civic a rarer sight on British roads than a Porsche Carrera GT or Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Will you miss the miss the Civic Type R? Let us know if you’d like to see it make an EV comeback in the future.

Hero image credit: Honda