Cars

Honda's second-gen Civic Type R hits Europe

When the second-generation Honda Civic Type R landed, it featured the expected Type R goodies such as a massaged drivetrain, improved suspension and weight saving measures. The big change here was it would go on sale outside of Japan.

Jon Wong

Jon Wong was a reviews editor for CNET Cars. He test drove and wrote about new cars and oversaw coverage of automotive accessories and garage gear. In his spare time, he enjoys track days, caring for his fleet of old Japanese cars and searching for the next one to add to his garage.

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Jon Wong

Jan. 2, 2017 5:00 a.m. PT

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Honda spread the Civic Type R love with the debut of the second-gen model, sold both in Japan and Europe.

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The second-gen Civic Type R debuted the K-series engine in Honda's Type R series. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine 197 horsepower for European models.

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For the Japanese market, the 2.0-liter engine produced 217 horsepower.

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The only transmission available in the Civic Type R was a six-speed manual.

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Chassis, suspension and brake upgrades were included, but goodies like a limited-slip differential weren't included on European models.

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Japanese spec models did receive the limited-slip diff, along with a more potent 217-horsepower engine with a balanced crankshaft, different cams, intake manifold and exhaust manifold.

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On the outside, the Civic Type R gets special bumpers, side sills and rear wing.

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There's a three-spoke, leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel.

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The K-Series four-cylinder heart of the Honda Civic Type R.

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Recaro bucket seats keep front passengers locked down during hard driving. Click through for a bunch more photos from Honda, and check out the article below for the history of the Type R.