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The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand's iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued
THE end is nigh for the Honda Civic Type R - which is set to be discontinued in the UK by the beginning of 2026. But while this iconic hot hatchback will be sorely missed by petrolheads, its swift return is already being talked up in the form of a performance EV. 4 The Honda Civic Type R is reaching the end of the road - but it could be set for a swift return Credit: Honda 4 The iconic name-plate is being taken off the market across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations Credit: Honda 4 Honda, though, may bring it back in the near future as a performance EV Credit: Honda 4 The Civic Type R is a favourite among petrolheads for its powerful turbocharged engine and track-ready handling Credit: Honda The Civic Type R, adored for its powerful turbocharged engine, track-ready handling and sometimes-polarising design, It's being taken off the market by Honda across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations - particularly the Euro 6e-bis standards which come into effect in January 2026. But according to future of its sporty number will live on into the electric age. At the launch of the new Prelude, project lead, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said the Type R 'can be anything in future, depending on what the market demands', adding that the famous nameplate isn't necessarily dependent on its turbo powertrain. Read more Motors News He added that the 'Type R badge is about the ability to enhance dynamic attributes to the max'. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Centre, hinted that the brand is heavily focused on the fun-factor when it comes to their EVs. He said: 'A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can't come up with something exactly the same as before. 'As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? Most read in Motors "We haven't given up of course, but it's not just about power, it's about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. 'These are the joys of driving.' Major car brand to revive long-forgotten sports model discontinued 23 years ago NEW AGE There was a time when the hot hatchback appeared to be dead and buried. The demise of icons like the Ford Focus ST, Renaultsport Clio and the petrol-powered Abarth 500 all pointed to the beloved sub-genre of performance cars slowly fading into obscurity. However, manufacturers seem determined to keep the spirit of the hot hatch alive in the electric age with a wave of sporty hatchbacks having been recently introduced. Hyundai was arguably the first to prove that a proper performance-focused EV hatchback was possible with the Ioniq 5 N, while the newly launched Alpine A290 is already being hailed as a future classic. Meanwhile, Honda isn't ready to bid farewell to its legendary Type R just yet, with an exclusive 'Ultimate Edition' heading to Europe - though only 40 units will be available. Currently, the Civic Type R is the sole model in the UK to carry the famous Type R badge. Over the years, however, other models such as the Integra Type R and Accord Type R have also proudly worn the emblem.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand's iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued
It's being taken off the market across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations BACK SO SOON? Major car brand's iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE end is nigh for the Honda Civic Type R - which is set to be discontinued in the UK by the beginning of 2026. But while this iconic hot hatchback will be sorely missed by petrolheads, its swift return is already being talked up in the form of a performance EV. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Honda Civic Type R is reaching the end of the road - but it could be set for a swift return Credit: Honda 4 The iconic name-plate is being taken off the market across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations Credit: Honda 4 Honda, though, may bring it back in the near future as a performance EV Credit: Honda 4 The Civic Type R is a favourite among petrolheads for its powerful turbocharged engine and track-ready handling Credit: Honda The Civic Type R, adored for its powerful turbocharged engine, track-ready handling and sometimes-polarising design, has reached the end of the road after a mighty 25 years. It's being taken off the market by Honda across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations - particularly the Euro 6e-bis standards which come into effect in January 2026. But according to Auto Express, Honda has strongly hinted that the future of its sporty number will live on into the electric age. At the launch of the new Prelude, project lead, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said the Type R 'can be anything in future, depending on what the market demands', adding that the famous nameplate isn't necessarily dependent on its turbo powertrain. He added that the 'Type R badge is about the ability to enhance dynamic attributes to the max'. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Centre, hinted that the brand is heavily focused on the fun-factor when it comes to their EVs. He said: 'A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can't come up with something exactly the same as before. 'As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? "We haven't given up of course, but it's not just about power, it's about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. 'These are the joys of driving.' Major car brand to revive long-forgotten sports model discontinued 23 years ago NEW AGE There was a time when the hot hatchback appeared to be dead and buried. The demise of icons like the Ford Focus ST, Renaultsport Clio and the petrol-powered Abarth 500 all pointed to the beloved sub-genre of performance cars slowly fading into obscurity. However, manufacturers seem determined to keep the spirit of the hot hatch alive in the electric age with a wave of sporty hatchbacks having been recently introduced. Hyundai was arguably the first to prove that a proper performance-focused EV hatchback was possible with the Ioniq 5 N, while the newly launched Alpine A290 is already being hailed as a future classic. Meanwhile, Honda isn't ready to bid farewell to its legendary Type R just yet, with an exclusive 'Ultimate Edition' heading to Europe - though only 40 units will be available. Currently, the Civic Type R is the sole model in the UK to carry the famous Type R badge. Over the years, however, other models such as the Integra Type R and Accord Type R have also proudly worn the emblem.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic hot hatchback hints at swift return in bold new form after it was discontinued
THE end is nigh for the Honda Civic Type R - which is set to be discontinued in the UK by the beginning of 2026. But while this iconic hot hatchback will be sorely missed by petrolheads, its swift return is already being talked up in the form of a performance EV. 4 4 4 4 The Civic Type R, adored for its powerful turbocharged engine, track-ready handling and sometimes-polarising design, has reached the end of the road after a mighty 25 years. It's being taken off the market by Honda across Europe and the UK due to its engine failing to meet new European emissions regulations - particularly the Euro 6e-bis standards which come into effect in January 2026. But according to Auto Express, Honda has strongly hinted that the future of its sporty number will live on into the electric age. At the launch of the new Prelude, project lead, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said the Type R 'can be anything in future, depending on what the market demands', adding that the famous nameplate isn't necessarily dependent on its turbo powertrain. He added that the 'Type R badge is about the ability to enhance dynamic attributes to the max'. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Centre, hinted that the brand is heavily focused on the fun-factor when it comes to their EVs. He said: 'A battery and motor have different characteristics so we can't come up with something exactly the same as before. 'As an EV, how can we provide the joy of driving? "We haven't given up of course, but it's not just about power, it's about the sound, vibration, acceleration and the human experience. 'These are the joys of driving.' NEW AGE There was a time when the hot hatchback appeared to be dead and buried. The demise of icons like the Ford Focus ST, Renaultsport Clio and the petrol-powered Abarth 500 all pointed to the beloved sub-genre of performance cars slowly fading into obscurity. However, manufacturers seem determined to keep the spirit of the hot hatch alive in the electric age with a wave of sporty hatchbacks having been recently introduced. Hyundai was arguably the first to prove that a proper performance-focused EV hatchback was possible with the Ioniq 5 N, while the newly launched Alpine A290 is already being hailed as a future classic. Meanwhile, Honda isn't ready to bid farewell to its legendary Type R just yet, with an exclusive 'Ultimate Edition' heading to Europe - though only 40 units will be available. Currently, the Civic Type R is the sole model in the UK to carry the famous Type R badge. Over the years, however, other models such as the Integra Type R and Accord Type R have also proudly worn the emblem.
Motor 1
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
'Market Demands:' An Electric Honda Civic Type R Could Still Happen
The future of electric vehicles, especially in America, is more uncertain than ever, with federal tax credits and funding drying up. That's forcing many companies to reconsider their futures, including Honda . The Japanese automaker is reportedly shifting resources from EVs to hybrids as it attempts to keep up with the changing tides. But the possibility of an electric Civic Type R isn't completely out of the cards—one day. Speaking with Auto Express , Honda Prelude project leader Tomoyuki Yamagami left the door open for such a model in the future. He told the publication that the Type R could be anything the "market demands," adding that the Type R badge is "not dependent on a turbo powertrain.' According to Yamagami, Type R badge is about maximizing the car's dynamic attributes. However, a battery-powered Type R is likely still years away. Earlier this year, Toshihiro Akiwa, head of Honda's BEV Development Center, questioned how the engineers could still guarantee that an electric Type R was still a joy to drive . A battery and electric motor give a car different driving dynamics that present unique challenges, although Akiwa admitted then that Honda hasn't given up on the endeavor. But if consumers don't want electric vehicles, Honda is unlikely to build them. It has allegedly already pulled the plug on a large SUV , a segment consumers love, and we doubt Honda will want to spend the money necessary to develop a low-volume electric hot hatch. Not only is the future of electric vehicles faltering in the United States, but President Donald Trump's tariffs on Japan pose a threat to Honda's financial future. A recent report suggested the automaker is in talks to have Nissan build Honda-branded trucks at its factory in Mississippi. Here's More Honda News: 2026 Honda Prelude Near-Production Prototype Revealed The Honda Super EV Looks Like a Kei Car For Europe Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Auto Express Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
