Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition: Goodwood reveal and first drive

The Honda Civic Type R is nearing the end of the road after Honda announced that the legendary hot hatch would be removed from the UK market this year due to stringent new emissions regulations.

Following almost three decades of scintillating chassis, rev-happy engines and distinctive design, Honda wasn’t going to let its icon bow out with a whimper. So, making its public debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed was an ultra-exclusive special, aptly called the Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition.

Honda Civic Type R Ultimate Edition first drive 

Our brief drive of the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition up the Goodwood hillclimb gave us our first taste of the current-generation hot hatch’s final iteration ahead of testing it properly on UK roads later this summer. Even though it was surrounded by supercars and fascinating machinery at Goodwood, in true Civic Type R-fashion the Ultimate Edition commanded attention right from the off.

“Designed to embody 28 years of hot hatch performance”, according to Honda, the Ultimate Edition sports Championship White paint contrasted by a black roof, various carbon-fibre components including the big rear spoiler, and of course, some bespoke bright red graphics across the bonnet and down the sides, with their colour matching the iconic Type R badge. The 18-inch wheels are retained with thin enough spokes for you to check out the chunky Brembo brakes and suitably large 350mm discs. 

There’s more carbon fibre inside, specifically on the centre console and the door sills, and when anyone opens the front doors, the Type R logo will be projected onto the ground. Those few buyers will also receive a gift box containing a numbered emblem – from one to 40 – and a carbon key ring, custom-made floor mats and a unique car cover.

The exceptional drivetrain from the regular car hasn’t been touched, meaning under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 325bhp and 420Nm of torque which, in traditional hot hatch fashion, is sent exclusively to the front wheels via an equally old-school and magnificently precise six-speed manual transmission. 

There’s no discernible change in driving feel between the Ultimate Edition and the standard Type R, although that’s no bad thing considering that it’s our reigning Hot Hatch of the Year. Heading up the Goodwood hillclimb might feel like a nerve-wracking experience in some cars, but the perfectly weighted gearshift, smooth yet engaging turbocharged engine and immediate steering feel makes sure you feel reassuringly well-connected to the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition. The aforementioned extra touches do help remind you that the Type R is a special car and one we’ll miss sorely. 

Only 40 Ultimate Editions will be made - for the whole of Europe. The UK will receive 10 of those and each one will cost £57,905. They were sold on a ‘first come, first served’ and all were spoken for on the same day as the reveal. Don’t worry if you missed out, though; the regular Honda Civic Type R is still available to order for now, with prices starting from £51,905.

We’re told the cause of death for the legendary hot hatch is new Euro 6e-bis engine regulations that are due to come into effect in January 2026. But while the Civic Type R is going away, Honda is planning to launch 13 next-generation hybrid cars from 2027 to 2030.

Honda’s strategy and product boss for Europe, Hannah Swift, said: “The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation. However, Type R has always been Honda’s ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead.”

Check out the latest new deals on the current Honda Civic Type R before it leaves showrooms...

Latest used Honda Civic Type R deals

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