Type R MUGEN 2.2 provides a fitting swansong for the Honda Civic

Honda’s Civic 237 bhp Type R MUGEN first emerged on the scene in 2010 – a hand-built, motorsport-derived hot hatch, with a 20-strong limited edition production run. But despite the appeal of its unique specification, only 16 cars were sold.

With the 9th generation Civic soon to be revealed at Frankfurt, Northampton-based MUGEN Euro have worked their magic again, producing a final version of the MUGEN Type R with even more power and torque.

The cylinder bore and stroke have been increased to create an overall capacity of 2,156cc, so the car has been christened the Honda Civic Type R MUGEN 2.2.

The result of the change is a boost in engine output from 237 to 256 bhp, and additional torque throughout the rev range. Peak torque is now 240Nm at 6,000rpm and compared to a standard Honda Civic Type R, both power and torque are up 30 per cent.

When coupled to the host of motorsport-derived components created exclusively by MUGEN – including sports suspension, uprated brakes and a stunning performance bodykit the Type R MUGEN 2.2. is the most extreme expression of the Honda Civic Type R philosophy.

As well as marking a swansong for the 8th generation Civic, it has also been created as a fitting tribute to the highly successful Honda K20 2.0-litre petrol engine, which has ceased production in Japan. Homologated by MUGEN as an FIA Group N race series engine, the K20 has become one of the most admired naturally aspirated performance engines and has provided the basis for almost 400 race and rally competitors around the world.

Hiro Toyoda, vice-president of MUGEN Euro, commented: “Environmental pressures mean naturally aspirated engines are rapidly being superseded by other engine architectures and technologies. We may never see the like of the K20 in a mainstream production car again, so felt it only fitting we mark the occasion with this special 2.2 version of the Honda Civic Type R”.

Unusually, plans for the 2.2 car have yet to be finalised. MUGEN Euro may invite buyers of the original 2.0 MUGEN Type R to return their cars for an upgrade, or offer the new 2.2-litre package within the four remaining cars from the original production run.

At the £38,599 price charged for the original version, we’re not surprised only 16 cars found a home, but perhaps this final edition might tempt a few more of you.

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A decision on these two proposals is expected shortly.