The Honda Civic Type R is dying: new Ultimate Edition celebrates much-loved hot hatch
June 05, 2025 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
The Honda Civic Type R will be discontinued in Europe in 2026, and it’s just revealed the new Type R Ultimate Edition as a final swan song for this iconic hot hatchback
- Honda Civic Type R to be discontinued
- EU regulations kill off iconic hot hatch
- New Ultimate Edition is the final encore
- Visual changes with plenty of carbon fibre
- Engine and manual gearbox remain the same
- Prices yet to be confirmed, but like to nudge £60,000
This is the new Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition, and it spells the death of this much-loved hot hatchback after 28 years. It’ll disappear from showrooms in 2026, and there’s no sign of a new one on the horizon.
Just 40 Ultimate Editions will be made, and only 10 of those will come to the UK. You’ll have to get in quick if you want this slice of motoring history, and you’re likely to have to pay a pretty penny for the privilege.
And if you want to save on a new Civic Type R, check out the latest deals available through Carwow. You can save an average of almost £3,000 at the time of writing, or you can lease one for under £700 per month
Why is Honda cancelling the Civic Type R?
Red tape, to put it simply. Ever-tightening emissions regulations are making it harder to make performance cars like the Type R, and Honda is having to discontinue it to comply with EU rules.
Hannah Swift, Head of European Strategy and Product at Honda Motor Europe, said: “The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation.
“However, Type R has always been Honda’s ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead.”
Suzuki discontinued the Swift Sport last year for similar reasons. Car makers are measured on emissions across their range of cars, so some manufacturers with fewer electric cars in their lineup are having to kill off higher-polluting models to avoid hefty EU fines.
New Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition design and interior
The Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition gets a handful of visual changes to set it apart.
All of them will be finished in pearl white with a black roof, and you get red decals on the bonnet and down the side. That massive rear wing is finished in carbon fibre, as are the kickplates on the door sills.
There’s more carbon fibre inside as well. The centre console is finished in the stuff, and there’s different ambient lighting to highlight selected features. The Type R logo is projected onto the floor when you open the door, just in case the giant spoiler wasn’t a giveaway that this is the performance version.
Buyers of this ultra-rare hot hatch will also get a special gift box with their cars. It contains a numbered emblem, from one to 40 and a carbon keyring, alongside custom floor mats and a car cover.
New Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition engine and performance
The Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition is mechanically the same as the standard car. This means it has a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 329hp, which drives the front wheels through a snappy six-speed manual gearbox.
Manual performance cars are already getting rare. The Ford Focus ST is almost gone, and Hyundai’s petrol-powered N cars have recently been given the chop as well. Once the Civic Type R bows out it’ll leave the Toyota GR Yaris as the sole three-pedal hot hatchback on the market.
New Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition: how much is it?
Pricing for the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition hasn’t been announced yet, but given that only 10 of them will be sold in the UK you can expect it to fetch a premium over the standard car.
It currently starts from almost £52,000, so the Ultimate Edition could nudge £60,000. That’s a lot of cash, but it’s still less than a Mercedes-AMG A45S and it’s a lot more exclusive than that car.
Honda Civic Type R alternatives: what hot hatches are left?
If you’re after a ballistic hot hatchback, here are a few cars you can choose from once the Civic Type R has bowed-out. And remember to check out used Civic Type R’s through Carwow if you’re pining for this Nurburgring record holder.
Toyota GR Yaris: The only manual hot hatch left
If you simply must have three pedals in your hot hatchback, the Toyota GR Yaris will be your only option once the Type R is dead. It’s superb to drive, thanks mainly to the rigorous research and development by Toyota’s GR team, but it’s not as practical as the Civic
Volkswagen Golf R: The original supercar slayer
The Volkswagen Golf R is stupidly fast. Its 333hp petrol engine and excellent four-wheel drive system mean it’ll obliterate a Civic Type R in a drag race, as we found out first-hand, but it’s not as characterful on a twisty road as the front-wheel drive Honda.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: an electric car which is actually fun to drive
Hyundai has finally cracked the electric hot hatch formula with the Ioniq 5 N. It’s fast, agile and the simulated gear shifts work well to make it feel more engaging. There’s no hiding the immense weight though – it does still feel like a heavy car.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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