Type R

Honda debuted a Type R concept for the European Civic at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show; the Type R has a 2.0 litre 201 bhp (150 kW) at 7800 rpm I4. The suspension uses McPherson struts up front and a torsion beam in the back, while the car itself was initially thought to be lighter than the standard Civic as dictated by Honda Type R philosophy. Sophisticated handling aids such as traction control were initially thought to be completely eschewed for a purer, more soulful driving character. In the end, Honda did include a special version of their VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) that was specifically tuned to the car so as to better adhere to said philosophy. The Type R went on sale in the UK in February or March 2007, and is scheduled to reach Australia in July the same year. The European Civic Type R also went on sale in Brunei.

The JDM/ASIAN(ex. China) market 4-door Civic Type R went on sale on March 29, 2007. The Type R powered by an uprated K20A 2.0 litre iVTEC engine producing 225 PS (165 kW) at 8000 rpm (Available in Japan and Malaysia only), while the other JDM markets have 201 bhp (150 kW) at 7800 rpm and comes with a specially tuned sports suspension that includes new Brembo brakes. The prototype Type R was used as the official car of the Formula 1 2006 Japanese Grand Prix. This will mark the first time that Honda will produce two separate distinct Civic Type R models.