Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition bids farewell to Europe

The latest-generation Honda Civic Type R is becoming one of the most collectible versions ever made. That is not only because it represents the (likely) farewell to fully combustion-powered engines, but also because it is so difficult to buy. In August 2022, the first 10 cars allocated to Portugal sold out in just 72 hours, despite their high price.

It is now official. The iconic Honda Civic Type R is about to leave the European stage, bidding farewell to the market with the Ultimate Edition, which is restricted to 40 units.

This version marks 28 years of Type R history in the hot hatch segment. It comes in a dedicated specification, with several exterior and interior styling details that set it apart from the other versions.

Subtle changes for the Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition

Visually, the only features identifying it as a Type R Ultimate Edition are the red stripes running across the familiar Championship White paintwork, along with the “Ultimate Edition” badge on the tailgate.

Otherwise, this Japanese hot hatch remains much the same, with no further visual changes. The bumpers are unchanged, as are the 19-inch alloy wheels and the three exhaust outlets found on the other Type R models.

Inside, everything is also unchanged apart from the door sill plates and the “Type R” logo projected onto the ground whenever the doors are opened.

329 hp and 420 Nm of torque

Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre engine has received no modifications. It retains the same 329 hp and 420 Nm of torque as the other Type R versions, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Those figures deliver a top speed of 275 km/h and a 0–100 km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds.

Is it coming to Portugal?

Just 40 Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition cars are available for Europe, and there is still no official indication of whether any will be allocated to Portugal.

The Honda Civic Type R therefore joins the Ford Focus ST in leaving the market. That means two fewer fully combustion-powered hot hatches, narrowing the choice even further.