Honda Civic Type R 2001-2005
The first Honda Civic Type R to be sold officially in the UK sits 3rd in our greatest Hondas list
This was the model that really kick-started the Type R hysteria for Honda in the UK. Known internally as EP3 and built in Britain, the car was the first scorching Civic to be sold here officially, and it was a dynamic revelation next to the stodgy hot hatches launched at the start of the millennium.
Clever multi-link rear suspension delivered possibly the most adjustable front-wheel-drive chassis we’d seen, and with lovely balance and poise it gave you the confidence to wring out every last drop of performance.
Honda’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder VTEC served up 197bhp at a heady 7,400rpm, so you had to be prepared to thrash it if you wanted to go fast. Doing so was an addictive experience, rewarded with a glorious intake bark, and besides, keeping the revs high was no chore as the light and precise gearbox had a wonderful mechanical feel.
The EP3 Civic Type R may have been a bit short on torque, but with 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds and razor-sharp handling, it had the ability to keep many supercars on their toes along a twisty back road.
Honda Civic Type R: key specs
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol
- Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
- 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
- Top speed: 146mph
- On sale: 2001-2005
- Power: 197bhpTorque: 196Nm
The all-time best fast Hondas
- Honda NSX 1990-2005
- Honda Civic Type R 2017-date
- Honda Civic Type R 2001-2005
- Honda S2000 1999-2009
- Honda Integra Type R 1995-2001
- Honda Accord Type R 1998-2002
- Honda Civic Type R 1997-2000
- Honda Civic Type R 2007-2010
- Honda CR-X VTEC 1989-1992
- Honda S800 1967-1970
Fast Hondas Special
- The future of Honda: Q&A with Takahiro Hachigo
- Progress report: we compare Honda models old and new
- New Honda NSX: full details on Honda's 2016 supercar
- Moments of clarity: Honda's greatest tech innovations
- Top 10 best ever fast Hondas
- Bikes, mowers & robots - hands on with Honda’s non-car products
- Honda Civic Type R vs CBR1000RR Fireblade SP: video
- WIN a Honda Civic Type R for a weekend
