Honda to Discontinue Civic Type R in Europe
"Due to tightening EU regulations, another fan-favorite is being retired—Honda Europe is bidding farewell to the Type R with a special limited-run Ultimate Edition."
For nearly three decades, the Honda Civic Type R has carved out a loyal following in Europe, cementing its status as a benchmark in the hot hatchback segment. But the end of an era is on the horizon: due to tightening EU emissions regulations, Honda will cease selling the Civic Type R in Europe after 2026.
To honor the model’s iconic legacy, Honda is sending it off in style. The automaker has announced a Europe-exclusive final edition, limited to just 40 units. This special release serves as a tribute to the Civic Type R’s 28-year history and its lasting impact on driving enthusiasts across the continent.
Dubbed the Ultimate Edition, this swan song for the Civic Type R is distinguished by a striking visual package and exclusive details. All 40 units will be finished in the iconic Champion White paint, accented with bold red stripes and a contrasting black-painted roof for a race-inspired look.
Further setting the Ultimate Edition apart are tasteful carbon fiber touches, including the rear wing, door sills, and center console trim. Inside, each car comes with a numbered badge denoting its place in the limited production run, along with a carbon fiber key ring and exclusive floor mats designed specifically for this farewell model.
While Honda hasn’t provided specific details about why Civic Type R sales are ending in Europe, the reason appears to be regulatory. According to European product executive Hannah Swift, the company’s model lineup “is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation.” That evolution spells the end for the beloved, manual-transmission hot hatch in the region.
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope for Honda enthusiasts: the upcoming hybrid Prelude is slated to launch later this year, offering a new kind of performance model to fill the void left by the Civic Type R’s departure.
For much of the Civic Type R’s history, Europe has enjoyed front-row access to Honda’s hottest hatch while American buyers made do with alternate performance trims. That dynamic is about to shift. Starting in 2026, the Civic Type R will no longer be available in Europe, while U.S. enthusiasts will continue to enjoy access—not only to the Type R, but also to the Civic-based Acura Integra Type S, a model exclusive to North America. For now, that makes the U.S. the definitive hotspot for fans of Honda’s performance icons.
