If ever there was a car to unleash your inner hooligan, it’s the Honda Civic Type R, which is now celebrating its 25th anniversary.
When it was launched back in 1997, Honda set out to deliver the ‘ultimate front-engine, front-wheel drive experience’.
And over the course of a quarter of a century, we’ve seen six different versions of the Type R.
We also watched the power on tap rise from 185 PS to a scorching-hot 330 PS with the latest Type R, which is due to hit roads next year.
And all the while the Volkswagen Golf R rival has devoured any race track standing in its way.
Here’s everything you need to know.
EK9 (1997-2000): “An affordable, accessible Type R for all”
The ‘Type R’ badge was first slapped on the Honda NSX Type R back in 1992, a car that raised the bar on performance but was only available in limited numbers. Honda realised they were on to something, and applied the Type R philosophy to the Civic hatch.
This debut Civic Type R ‘EK9’ never actually made it to the UK, having been introduced to the Japanese market only. A 1.6 litre engine produced power of 185 PS while a helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and unique suspension components made it a circuit weapon.
EP3 (2001 – 2005) “A European take on the Type R”
The Type R proved a smash hit in Japan - and the clamour for it in Europe grew.
Honda responded by introducing the ‘EP3’, which came with a 2.0-litre ‘K’ series engine with power of 200 PS.
A Honda spokesperson tells us:
“It featured uprated brakes, a precise, close-ratio six-speed transmission and a shell that made extensive use of high-tensile steel to increase torsional static rigidity by 80% over the EK9. Toe-control link strut suspension in the front and reactive-link double-wishbone suspension at the rear combined with new electric power steering (EPS) and variable gear ratio (VGR) for highly rewarding steering feel and feedback.”
FN2/ FD2 (2007-2011) “Type R – two ways”
To cut a long story short, there were two versions of the third generation Civic Type R - one that was bound for Europe, while a more powerful variant was available in Japan.
The one we got was the ‘FN2’, which retained the proven 2.0-litre engine, but introduced a new chassis that moved the fuel tank beneath the front seats to improve interior space and flexibility. Power was pretty much the same at around 201 PS.
FK2 (2015-2017) “Introducing the VTEC TurboA”
This was the variant that really saw a jump in power, with a turbocharged 2.0 litre K20C1 engine now chucking-out 310 PS.
Honda tells us:
“In order to better control that significant increase in power, we introduced its Dual Axis Strut Suspension paired with a limited-slip differential to counter the torque-steer encountered in high output front wheel drive cars.”
The FK2 can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds and comes equipped with a high-performance Brembo braking system.
FK8 (2017-2022) “The Ultimate Sports hatchback”
Garish, in-your-face, and utterly unforgettable - the FK8 was the Type R at its most aggressive.
The revised engine now made 320 PS while there was also a big emphasis on generating maximum amounts of downforce. Massive rear spoiler, anyone?
Honda reveals:
“The external aerodynamic package worked in unison with an advanced, almost flat underfloor, to actively contribute to negative lift.”
FL5 (2022-) Ultimate Sports 2.0
This is the all-new, yet-to-be-launched Civic Type R, which is due to hit UK roads at the end of this year.
Honda says it’s a more ‘mature’ and ‘refined’ Type R compared with the outgoing model, while power is expected to be around 330 PS this time around - although those details are still to be confirmed.
Honda describes how ‘incremental revisions’ have resulted in the ‘fastest, most rewarding and addictive Civic Type R ever built’. It’s already the track record holder at Suzuka.
** You can lease a Honda Civic Type R with Select from around £450 per month.
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