Type R versions of the Civic typically feature a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine, and upgraded brakes and chassis, and are offered only in five- or six-speed manual transmission.

The EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8 such as omission of sound deadening and other weight reduction measures, a hand-ported 1.6-litre DOHC VTEC B16B 4-cylinder engine, front-helical limited-slip differential and a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission.

It came with steel wheels, the standard grey EK interior, manual windows, no air conditioning and without any other creature comforts.

This European Domestic Market Civic Type R featured a 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine (K20A2) and the regular Type R treatment of seam welding, close-ratio 6-speed transmission and upgraded brakes, but did not include some of the other higher-end features such as the helical limited-slip differential and red Recaro race seats that were standard on the EK9.

Other differences of the JDM model included a more track-oriented chassis/undercarriage settings as compared to the European model as well as a more powerful engine having a power output of 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) (designated K20A) had a fully-balanced crankshaft assembly with the different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, high-lift camshafts, high-compression pistons, chrome-moly flywheel and ECU programming.

Based on Honda literature, this facelifted (FL) model was targeted at addressing customers' and critics' feedback such as understeer on the limit (due to the front MacPherson strut setup), numb steering response and lack of low-end torque.

In 2003, Honda celebrated 30 years of the Civic badge by offering a special edition 30th Anniversary Civic Type R. This special edition featured red Recaro bucket seats, air conditioning, privacy glass on the rear windows, a leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, red interior carpet and door cards.

[10] In 2004, Honda introduced the "C Package" option (¥330,000 JPY) to Japan's Civic Type R lineup which included an additional color, Satin Silver Metallic, HID lighting, rear privacy glass, automatic air conditioner, carbon fibre accents to the dashboard and outside air temperature sensor.

Power is sent to the front wheels through a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and a helical limited-slip differential is fitted as standard.

Honda claims the chassis is 50% more rigid than the previous Japan-only pre-facelift DC5 Integra Type R and 25% more rigid than the previous Japan-only facelift DC5 Integra Type R. The FD2 features an independent rear suspension rather than the torsion beam configuration used on the FN2 Type-R.[12] To save weight, aluminium is used extensively and bonded with adhesive instead of welded.

Inside, the trademark black and red bucket seats are no longer made by Recaro as with previous versions but designed in-house by Honda.

[13] In a back-to-back test on the United Kingdom TV program Fifth Gear, the FD2 Type-R was three seconds quicker than the equivalent FN2 UK version around Castle Combe Circuit in wet conditions.

[14] A total of 14,062 FD2 Civic Type R units were produced until it ceased production in August 2010 due to failure to meet the upcoming emission requirements.

[17] The Honda Civic Mugen RR Advanced Concept was debuted at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon, based on the face-lifted FD2.

[25] A total of 29,039 Type-R specification FN2 models were built at the Honda factory in Swindon, 13,514 RHD for the UK, 8,378 LHD for Europe, 3,510 for Japan, 2,285 for Australia, with the remaining units heading to the Africa and Asia regions.

Type R GT From introduction in 2007, The Type R GT trim includes dual-zone climate control (Left:right independent), rain-sensing windscreen wipers, refrigerated glove box, automatic headlights with dusk sensor, front fog lights, power-folding wing mirrors, cruise control, front and rear curtain airbags.

In the UK market from 2009 model year, GT models also gained HID headlights with auto levelling, headlight washers with switch, USB and AUX connectors located in the arm rest storage area as well as a multi LED high level rear brake light to replace the previous design.

HID, AC, fog lights, audio system, soundproofing, some airbags) to reduce weight as much as 40 kg (88 lb).

Type R (Aust)The Type R (Australasia) trim includes dual-zone climate control (Left:right independent), rain-sensing windscreen wipers, refrigerated glove box, front fog lights, power-folding wing mirrors, cruise control, CD/radio/apple integration, front and rear curtain airbags.

Production for the European market ended in October 2010 due to the engine not meeting Euro V emissions regulations which came into effect in 2011.

Over 12,000 Civic Type Rs were sold in the UK since January 2007, Honda continued to export the car to the Australian market into 2011.

[31] JapanThe FD2 sedan was initially the only model available in Japan, but as of November 2009, Honda imported the European FN2 hatchback in limited numbers of about 2,010 units, giving it the name Civic Type R EURO.

[46] The design is based on the Civic Hatchback, with a winged carbon fiber effect splitter with red accent line, slatted ducts, diamond-mesh air intakes, red 'H' badge above a new air vent at the nose of the car, new air intake on the hood, an air scoop sited centrally in a trapezoidal recess, smoked lenses for the LED headlights, indicators and side repeaters, carbon fiber effect side skirts, 20-inch piano black alloy wheels with red accents, 245/30 R20 high-performance tires, enlarged wheel arches, a carbon fiber effect diffuser which runs below the wider rear bumper, 3 tailpipes with a pair of directional strakes at each side, central tailpipe in bright metallic red and unique peaks at the roof flanks that point backward.

The GT trim adds blindspot monitoring and cross-traffic alert, parking sensors at the front and rear, dual-zone climate control, power-folding door mirrors and infotainment upgrades that include wireless phone charging and in-built sat-navigation along with a more powerful 11-speaker stereo.

[47] On 3 April 2017, the pre-production Type R achieved a lap time of 7:43.80 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, almost 7 seconds faster than its predecessor, setting a new record for front-wheel drive cars.

[49] The car also set new front-wheel drive lap records at the Magny-Cours, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Estoril, Hungaroring and Mount Panorama circuits.

The Type R has amenities including a 12-speaker sound system with Sirius XM radio with a 7-inch touchscreen which allows gesture controls but no auxiliary input.

[58] In 2021, Honda offered a Limited Edition Type R. Only 600 were designated for the US and the car would only be available in Phoenix Yellow pearl paint.

Recalibrated steering for maximum control and feedback[59] In the UK, the Civic Type R was available for consumer test drives in August 2017, with official delivery and sale dates coinciding with national vehicle registration plate changes on 1 September.

[71] The FL5 Civic Type R is considered to be less aggressive in design compared to its predecessor with less prominent decorative vents and smaller air outlets.