Even though Honda has yet to confirm production of the Mugen prepped Civic Type R as the model still retains its concept title, the Japanese firm shipped the car over to the UK for further development and while they were at it, they gave it to Autocar magazine for a test drive. Matt Prior, the journalist who sat behind the steering wheel of the prototype model, notes that Mugen’s engineers need to work more on the Civic Type R’s chassis, and especially the rear suspension, to make it competitive with other special hot hatches from Europe like the Renault Megane R26.R.
On the other hand, the Mugen Civic Type R’s modified 2,0-litre VTEC engine that has received a 29 kW boost producing a total output of 178 kW looks and sounds quite promising – see in the video how easily the naturally-aspirated in-line four cylinder hits the rev limiter at 8 500 rpm.
Other upgrades include a new aero kit with a huge rear wing and a high performance brake system. Mugen’s team has also incorporated a number of weight savings measures, such as stripping the interior of unnecessary items like the rear seats and using lighter alloy wheels wrapped in sport tyres.
