Honda Civic Type R Sedan Spied Testing in Europe
A camouflaged Honda Civic Type R sedan has been photographed testing on European roads, raising questions about the model’s market plans and possible launch outside the US.
Honda’s high-performance Civic Type R has so far been a hatchback-only affair in Europe, but recent spy photographs show a camouflaged sedan version undergoing testing on European roads. The sighting, reportedly in Spain, suggests Honda may be preparing the four-door Type R for markets beyond the United States, where the sedan body style has traditionally been offered.
The prototype, heavily disguised but clearly based on the Civic sedan, features the aggressive aerodynamic addenda and larger wheels typical of the Type R. This development is unusual, as earlier indications from Honda pointed to the sedan being a US-only model. Testing in Europe could mean Honda is reconsidering, or at least evaluating, a broader launch for the four-door variant.
Current Civic Type R in Europe
The European-market Civic Type R, launched at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, is offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback. It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 PS and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The car features Brembo brakes with 350 mm front discs, a dual-axis strut front suspension and adaptive dampers on all four corners. Honda claims a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h.
Implications for European buyers
If Honda proceeds with a European launch, the Civic Type R sedan would give buyers an alternative to the hatchback, appealing to those who prefer the saloon body style but still want the performance credentials of the Type R badge. It would also mark a departure from Honda’s recent European strategy, which has focused on the hatchback as the flagship Civic performance model.
Honda has not confirmed any plans for a European Civic Type R sedan. The appearance of the prototype does not guarantee a showroom model, but it does indicate that the manufacturer is at least considering new options for its performance saloon range.
