Honda has introduced the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition as a final send-off for the hot hatchback in the European market. The current FL5 Civic Type R is being discontinued in the UK and Europe due to its non-compliance with the stricter 2026-bound Euro 7 emission regulations, and Honda is bidding farewell to the model with a 40-unit special edition to celebrate its 28-year production run. Keep reading to learn everything the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition brings to the table, and also for an update surrounding the rumoured launch of the performance hatch in India.

1. Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition gets carbonfibre wing, red decals, and more
2. Cabin changes include more carbonfibre trim, Type R logo projector, extra lighting, etc
3. No mechanical changes; 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine makes 329hp and 420Nm

Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition exterior design

Red-on-white colour scheme with carbonfibre flourishes

The Civic Type R Ultimate Edition is available only in the Championship White colour option, and makes a handful of additive changes to the hatchback’s exterior, such as unique red decals on the bonnet and doors, ‘Ultimate Edition’ badging, a black finish on the roof, and a carbonfibre rear wing.

Elsewhere, the FL5 Civic Type R’s handsome styling sees no changes. Up front, it gets angled headlights with a smoked effect, along with a mesh-patterned grille and air dam - all finished in black - and a Type R-specific red-and-white Honda badge. At the rear, a connected LED tail-lamp arrangement takes prominence, with a diffuser, ‘Type R’ badge, and sporty triple-exhaust setup. Other sporty touches around the body include blacked-out wing mirrors, side skirts, and 19-inch wheels, as well as a bonnet duct.

Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition interior and features

Sizable lighting upgrades

Inside, the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition extends the carbonfibre treatment to the door sills and centre console. Honda has also packed in red floor mats with metal ‘Type R’ badges, a Type R logo projector in the front doors, and additional lighting for the door liners, cupholder, centre console, footwell, and under-seat area. Moreover, every Civic Type R Ultimate Edition buyer will get a special gift box comprising a numbered emblem (from one to 40), carbon key ring, and car cover.

The cabin hasn’t been changed otherwise, with features like sports seats with red suede-effect upholstery, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a Type R-specific steering wheel, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 10.2-inch digital driver’s display, silver gear knob with red engravings, an 8-speaker sound system, and more.

Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition powertrain and performance

Fastest front-wheel drive car around the Nurburgring

Under the hood, the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition introduces no changes. It’s powered by the same 2.0-liter VTEC turbo-petrol engine producing 329hp and 420Nm, which is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox sending power to the front wheels. 0-100kph is achieved in a claimed 5.4 seconds and the top speed is rated at 275kph. The FL5 Civic Type R is notably the fastest front-wheel drive car to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife as well, with a time of 7:44.881.

Regarding rumors of a Honda Civic Type R India launch

It’s not coming

Recent media reports have alleged that following the recent launch of the Volkswagen Golf GTI in India, Honda is gearing up to bring the Civic Type R here as a competitor to the hot hatch. While the prospect may sound exciting, Autocar India can confirm that Honda has no plans to launch the Civic Type R in India. In fact, the existence of the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition is an indicator that the performance hatchback will be gradually phased out of production globally by 2026.

As it stands, Honda’s India line-up comprises the City, Amaze, and Elevate. We reported earlier this year that the Japanese carmaker is also considering launching the ZR-V hybrid SUV in India.