Honda is marking the end of an era in Europe with the launch of the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition, a highly exclusive version of its celebrated hot hatch. Limited to just 40 units across the continent, this edition serves as a tribute to the model’s 28-year legacy, ahead of the Civic Type R’s planned discontinuation in European markets by 2026.
This final send-off comes adorned in the model’s signature Championship White paintwork, complemented by distinctive red decals tracing the bonnet and flanks—an homage to its renowned Type R badge. The car is further distinguished by a contrasting black roof and several carbon fibre enhancements, including a prominent rear wing spoiler and door sill garnishes.
Inside the cabin, the carbon fibre aesthetic continues on the centre console, while ambient lighting highlights key areas such as the cup holder, door trims, footwell, and beneath the front seats. A Type R logo projection on the ground upon door opening adds a final bespoke flourish to the interior design.
Owners of the Ultimate Edition will receive a collector’s gift package featuring a uniquely numbered emblem, matching their specific vehicle, alongside a carbon fibre key ring, tailored floor mats, and a branded car cover, solidifying this model as a prized acquisition for enthusiasts.
Honda Motor Europe’s Head of Strategy and Product, Hannah Swift, described the special edition as a fitting tribute to a model that has defined Honda’s pursuit of driving exhilaration. She explained that while the industry and Honda’s vehicle lineup are evolving to meet changing legislation in Europe, the Civic Type R has always stood as the brand’s most emotive expression of performance, and this commemorative model underlines that legacy.
The Civic Type R’s history began in Japan in 1997 with the sixth-generation Civic hatchback. Since then, it has spanned six generations and numerous special variants, carving out a passionate fan base across the globe. The model is widely recognised for its motorsport-inspired engineering, combining high-revving engines, sharp handling, and aggressive design cues.
Over nearly three decades, the Civic Type R has repeatedly demonstrated its capabilities by setting front-wheel-drive production lap records at world-famous circuits, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Similar feats have been accomplished at tracks like Magny-Cours, Spa-Francorchamps, Hungaroring, Estoril, Suzuka, Silverstone, and Mount Panorama in Bathurst, Australia.
Beyond individual accolades, the Type R has been a formidable force in competitive motorsport. Its participation in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and the World Touring Car Cup (WTCR), along with various regional series, has seen the model deliver numerous driver and team titles. Competing in categories based on mass-produced, front-wheel-drive vehicles, the Civic Type R has proven to be both accessible and dominant on the track.
As Europe prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic performance hatchbacks, the Ultimate Edition offers a final chance for fans to own a piece of Honda’s racing heritage, refined, commemorated, and celebrated in every detail.
