Honda’s iconic Civic is celebrating two anniversaries this year: 50 years of continuous production and 25 years of the high-performance, race-derived Type R variant, which rewrote the rulebook on what a hot hatch should be. Despite being born as the more attainable Type R, the Civic variants embody the Type R philosophy the maximum thanks to exquisite engineering and engaging dynamics. Over six generations, the formula has evolved to deliver the ultimate front engine, front wheel drive performance hatchback to customers. One that can comfortably handle the daily commute from Monday to Friday, before tackling the circuit at weekends.
EK9 (1997-2000): An affordable, accessible Type R for all
The Type R nameplate can be traced back to the 1992 Honda NSX Type R, which raised the bar on performance and dynamic ability, but was only available in extremely limited numbers. Applying the Type R philosophy to the Civic followed a similar engineering ethic to the Integra and NSX to offer an engaging, rewarding drive. The EK9 was offered to the Japanese market only and had a high-end specification; including a hand-ported 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC engine that produced a highly impressive 116bhp-per—litre, a lightweight seam-welded shell that contributed to a total vehicle weight of just 1050kg, paired with a helical Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and unique suspension components to completely transform the driving experience. Launched to outstanding reviews, the EK9 set in motion the pursuit of the ultimate front-engine, front wheel drive performance hatchback.
EP3 (2001 – 2005) A European take on the Type R
As a result of the overwhelming success of the first-generation car, the second-generation was offered across Europe; thanks, in part, to now being manufactured in the United Kingdom. The new car introduced an all-new, and now iconic 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC ‘K’ series engine that redefined what a normally aspirated two-litre engine could do. It too 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
The third generation Civic Type R was unique in that the European and Japanese models differed dramatically. Europe received the FN2-based hatchback, which retained the proven 2.0-liter engine, but introduced a new chassis that moved the fuel tank beneath the front seats to improve interior space and flexibility. Japanese customers were instead offered the FD2 saloon, which offered an even more focused driving experience thanks to additional items such as a more powerful K20A engine, a helical LSD and powerful Brembo brakes. The saloon’s increased weight was countered by extensive use of structural adhesives instead of welding, and aluminium in both the chassis and panels.
FK2 (2015-2017) Introducing the VTEC TurboA
As market and regulatory expectations shifted, the move toward turbocharging was inevitable. Honda engineers worked meticulously to develop the K20C1 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that offered explosive performance thanks to a 310PS output. In order to better control that significant increase in power, Honda 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 2015 Civic Type-R sprinted from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and came equipped with large diameter (351mm) front discs that formed part of the high-performance Brembo braking system. The FK2 proved a formidable base for a competition car, winning several TCR Touring Car titles across the globe.
FK8 (2017-2022) The Ultimate Sports hatchback
Arriving in 2017, the FK8 was the ultimate evolution of the Civic Type R. A significant evolution of the FK2, the new car gained a host of new mechanical features such as adaptive dampers, and further revisions to the K20C1 engine to boost power to 320PS. The model also introduced downforce to the equation for an even more intense drive; the external aerodynamic package worked in unison with an advanced, almost flat underfloor, to actively contribute to negative lift. The model also made its debut in the United States, with the region leading global sales for the car.
FL5 (2022-) Ultimate Sports 2.0
Launching later this year, the all-new generation car further evolves, matures, and refines technologies that have been developed over several generations. Whilst new technologies and refined aerodynamics have helped set the bar higher once again, a clear lineage can be traced back to the FD2 generation with the incremental revisions resulting in the fastest, most rewarding and addictive Civic Type R ever built. Already the track record holder at Suzuka, the 2022 Civic Type R is a fitting way to celebrate 30 years of the Type R nameplate.







New 2022 Honda Civic Sedan and Hatchback have earned IIHS’s highest award possible – the TOP SAFETY PLUS rating.
The most advanced Civic Hatch goes on sale today. The latest addition to the lineup comes with Euro-inspired styling and tons of advanced features. Some of these include a new safety suite, drivetrain upgrades and refined lineup of egines.
Honda’s new Civic Sedan lineup arrives at dealerships today. The all-new 2022 vehicle features an elegant exterior, functional and cozy interior, agile dynamics and advanced technologies.


In a new video, Honda reveals a new interior design philosophy that will shape the interior design of the new Honda vehicles. Inspired by the classic human-centered design of the early Honda days, the brand adopts a simplistic approach towards the design, but without sacrificing any of the advanced technological functions of today. The new idea features a renewed focus on Honda’s classic “Man Maximum/Machine Minimum” approach and maximizes the interior space and minimizes the space required for mechanical technologies.
For a sixth consecutive year, Honda has been chosen as America’s “Best Value Brand” in Kelley Blue Book’s Brand Image Awards, which recognizes automobile manufacturer’s success in fostering and retaining brand attributes that customers appreciate and pay attention to. In awarding its “Best Value Brand” award for 2020, Kelley Blue Book recognized Honda for its quality, reliability, durability and overall advanced technologies that the brand incorporates in its vehicles.
Trent Hindman, the 2019 International Motor Sports Association GT Daytona class champion, will pair with Shelby Blackstock, a multi-race winner with his Civic Type R TCR, for a full-season effort in the 2020 SRO GT World Challenge America Series in an Acura NSX GT3 Evo.
Five Honda modes have managed to earn the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK rating when geared with specific headlights. Also, one of the vehicles has achieved a TOP SAFETY PICK PLUS award. Contributing to the top ratings, 2020 Accord, three Civic models (Coupe, Sedan and Hatch), Insight and CR-V each achieved the highest possible rating of “GOOD” in all six IIHS crashworthiness tests. Additionally, the advanced Honda Sensing driver-assistance technology managed to contribute to “SUPERIOR” ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle frontal crash prevention.
Fresh from its world debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon last month, 2020 Honda Civic Type R made its US debut at the Chicago Auto Show, appearing for the first time in public in its new and exclusive Boost Blue exterior color scheme. 2020 Civic Type R brings numerous changes and improvements to Type R’s entire winning formula and proudly showcases new styling, improved handling and braking, improved engine cooling and the revised Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies.

2020 Honda Civic Si Sedan and Coupe models showcase further improvement and changes – the vehicles hit the roads with refined LED lights design, overall more aggressive exterior body language and tons of technological features make their debut with the unveiling of the new Si lineup.


Honda team has managed to earn a prestigious award at the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards for 2019. With leading positions at the market, thanks to the new Civic lineup, the team was recognized as one of the best in the field, due to the capability to improve, adapt and present ever-evolving technologies and solutions that do matter in today’s world.