Civic Type R / EP3

In 2001, Honda introduced the EP3 version of the Civic Type-R (CTR). This was the first CTR to be made available on the UK market, and was immediately well received by the motoring press (receiving “Hot Hatch of the Year” awards from Top Gear, Fifth Gear, and What Car? magazines). European Domestic Market (EDM) buyers originally had the choice of 3 colours; Nighthawk Black, Satin Silver, and Milano Red. Honda’s famous Championship White was also available as a colour option, but only on those cars produced especially for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).

One of the key features of the EP3, which undoubtedly helped drive the car’s appeal, was the high-revving 2.0l K20a2 engine. At 6000rpm, when many other cars are beginning to run out of steam, the CTR was just getting started – a 6-speed close-ratio gearbox coupled with Honda’s now legendary i-VTEC system kept the Civic howling up to around 8500rpm, delivering peak power of 197bhp @ 7400rpm and propelling the car to its 146mph top speed. This technically-brilliant engine, as well as a stiff chassis set-up and good brakes as standard, ensured a thrilling driving experience for the many motorists who treated themselves to an EP3.

Inside, the EP3 is very much focussed on being a driver’s car- the short-shifting gearstick is mounted within the centre console, the steering wheel is fully adjustable, and most of the controls and storage areas are easily within the driver’s reach. For comfort when pushing his car to the limits, the driver would find himself cradled by Type-R reclining bucket seats, which were trimmed in a combination of black cloth and alcantara.

Whilst all of the EP3 CTRs were assembled in Swindon, some were reserved to be shipped to Japan for sale exclusively on the JDM. These JDM cars came off the production line with more power (215bhp from the engine, known as the K20a), a factory fitted LSD, HID headlights, improved seats by Recaro and red carpets. A noticeable visual difference is the Union Jack flag badge, which was fitted on the JDM models just to the left of the Civic badge on the rear of the car.

In 2003, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Civic, Honda released the 30th Anniversary Edition (30AE) of the EP3. Limited to 100 each of the 3 colours above, the 30AE featured improved seats manufactured by Recaro and a leather steering wheel by Momo, air conditioning, red carpets and door trim, and rear privacy glass.

In 2004, the EP3 was given a face-lift. This new face-lifted version offered a new colour, Cosmic Grey, and featured revised Electric Power Steering, projector headlamps, new tail-light units, wing-mirror indicators, a lighter flywheel and clutch assembly, and also saw the cloth in the seats and door trims change from black to red. Furthermore, in 2005, the Premier Edition of this face-lifted EP3 was produced, heralding the beginning of the end of the EP3’s production run. Premier Edition EP3s again include red Recaro seats and a Momo steering wheel, but also feature Type-R embossed brake callipers, and rear privacy glass.

Thanks to Chris (NosmanN20) for the write up.