Honda unveils a £38,599 Civic

£38,599 might sound like a preposterous amount for a Honda Civic Type R, but that's what Honda is asking for its Type R MUGEN. The limited-run special-edition will be built in a series of just 20 cars, with each customer intimately involved in the build process of their ultimate Type R. The MUGEN badge is synonymous with Honda's most extreme performance engineering, Vice President of MUGEN EURO, Hiroki Toyoda saying: “each Type R MUGEN will be an exclusive, hand-built race car for the road.”

The transformation to MUGEN specification includes a revised engine with power increased by 20 per cent to 237bhp and a 10 per cent torque hike. New camshafts, pistons, custom exhaust, airbox and a revised ECU map all help the 2.0-litre engine produce its extra power, it driving through the front wheels via a limited-slip differential.

The increase in bhp is matched by improved braking power, with bespoke four-piston racing brake callipers nestling behind its lightweight forged alloy wheels. Naturally, the suspension has been adjusted too, the MUGEN being fitted with custom-made springs and dampers all-round. Visual changes include a large rear wing and new lightweight front and rear skirts to improve aerodynamic efficiency. MUGEN badges are added inside and out, while a plaque highlighting the car's build number is positioned on the centre console.

If the standard set-up isn't quite hardcore enough for you then Honda offers an optional 'Track Pack'. It includes Recaro front seats, the replacement of the rear seats with a composite blanking panel, additional instruments, data-logging equipment and track-ready road-legal tyres - just in case you've not spent enough already. Honda is confident it the 20-run £38,599 series will sell quickly, its last MUGEN special released in Japan, the Civic Type RR saloon, selling out all 300 units in just 6 minutes.

Kyle Fortune