Honda Civic Type R UK sales to cease

The Honda Civic Type R is dead. Or it is at least in Europe, as the high-revving, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine that powers Honda's hot hatch can't meet forthcoming emissions requirements 

That's right – the Civic Type R can’t meet the latest Euro5 emissions regulations that come into force at the end of 2010, meaning in the UK and most other European countries (a tiny handful have Euro5 exemption) the Civic Type R will cease to be. If you live outside Europe then you’re still in luck as the Swindon-built Type R will continue to be sold in markets as far afield as Australia and South Africa.

But for UK buyers it means the end of a 1998cc four-pot that screams out 198bhp at 7800rpm. Peak torque (a paltry 142lb ft) arrives at a high 5600rpm, and means the 2.0-litre motor has to be thrashed everywhere – in an age of forced-induction it was a chore for some, but a real thrill for others, and will signal the end of a unique naturally aspirated offering in the hot hatch segment. If there is a next-gen Civic Type R, it’s bound to be turbocharged.

To commemorate the end of UK sales of the Civic Type R, Honda is celebrating at the Silverstone round of the BTCC, where Type R owners will be able drive the Northamptonshire circuit themselves and enjoy Honda’s hospitality for the day.

UK sales of the Civic Type R will cease at the end of October 2010, and until September 29 the Type R GT is being sold for £19,495, a saving of £2230. Over 12,000 current generation Civic Type Rs have been sold in the UK since its introduction in January 2007.

By Ben Pulman