This is a bad week to be a hot hatch enthusiast. The axe has already fallen on the Ford Focus ST, and now it's the turn of the Honda Civic Type R - at least in Europe.

Saying farewell is this, the new Ultimate Edition. The car marks the end of an era for the Civic Type R in Europe, with Honda confirming the car will be discontinued from European markets in 2026. Sales of the FL5 were already restricted to around 150 units per annum in the UK due to emissions laws, but the Ultimate Edition will be even rarer, with just 40 examples earmarked for the entire continent. Ten of those are allocated to the United Kingdom.

Honda claims the Ultimate Edition is ‘designed to embody 28 years of hot hatch performance’. All will be finished in Championship White with a number of bespoke features. Sadly they’re all cosmetic - there are no reports of any mechanical changes or a boost in power - which given the Civic Type R’s status, seems half-hearted in light of such a statement. The FL5 may have set the benchmark since its introduction in early 2023, but it’s hard not to recall previous limited editions such as the FK8 Final Edition or Mugen FN2 and bemoan a missed opportunity.

So what else is included aside from Honda’s signature hue? Each Ultimate Edition features unique red decals on the bonnet and sides, a black painted roof, and carbon fibre detailing, including the rear wing and door sills. Interior changes include a carbon centre console and additional illumination across the footwells, centre console, door lining and cup holders. Opening the doors also reveals a Type R logo projected onto the ground.

Owners will also receive a commemorative gift box containing a numbered emblem, a carbon key ring, custom floor mats and a car cover. Each box will be numbered one through 40 to match its corresponding car.

“As we say farewell to a true icon of the Honda automobile line-up in Europe, we thought it was fitting to give the Civic Type R the ultimate send-off,” said Honda Europe. “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.”

Let’s hope the statement isn’t final and the Civic Type R returns one day, perhaps in EV form. In the meantime, we can pin our hopes on the forthcoming Prelude. 

The Ultimate Edition is available to order now. Expect to pay a healthy premium over the existing £51,905 list price.