Japanese automaker giant Honda is the 6th largest automobile manufacturer in the world as well as the largest engine-maker in the world, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year. Honda Civic is one of the most popular cars worldwide. Honda has been running its nameplate for almost 27 years now proving its success. It was first introduced as a two-door coupe with a 1169 CC engine in 1972. Initially, it gained a reputation for being stable, reliable, environment friendly and fuel efficient. Having gone through several generational changes later versions have become well-known for performance and sportiness, especially the Civic Type-Si and Civic-R. With constant upgradation with the advancement of technology over the years, Honda has been successful keeping the brand name alive. With gas prices on the high and economy being affected by the recession, in June 2008 the Civic overcame the Ford F-Series to become the top-selling vehicle in the United States for that month. It is currently in the slot between Honda Fit and Accord.

Honda civic Type- R is a high-performance version of Civic introduced in 1997. It is currently in its third generation and comes with two distinct varieties – One for European and one for Japanese, domestic market. However, Honda has not introduced the R series in North America. The Japanese market Civic Type R is 4-door sedan at present. It was launched on March 30, 2007. The other variety is the three-door hatchback which is produced only in UK, and it is sold in European market. This model will be the base for the upcoming European Jazz. Recently, Honda announced that the UK-built, Type-R hatchback will be sold in Japanese market.

The UK built Civic Type R hatchback will be exported to Japan from 2010. The only manufacturing unit of R’s 3-door model is at Honda’s plant in Swindon, England. Honda also builds its 5-door Civic, CR-V and Civic Type S for Europe in UK. Honda currently sells only its 4-door Type R sedan in Japan. To distinguish the new hatchback from the Japanese-market 4-door sedan, it will be named the Type R EURO. They have also announced that this model will be introduced as a limited edition. Japan will follow South Africa and Australia to become the third country outside Europe to import this highly rated hot hatch with the red ‘H’ badge. The demand for the European-produced car in Honda’s domestic market is a result of the dedication and expertise of Associates at Honda’s manufacturing unit in UK.

The sporty and distinctive looking Civic Type –R Hatchback comes with a 2-liter, four cylinder twin-cam engine supported by its i-VTEC camshaft switching device. With a power output of 198 hp and 142 lb-ft of torque it can achieve a top speed of 146 mph. It accelerates 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and gives a combined fuel economy of 25.8 mpg.