After years of only offering the Civic Type R in Europe, Honda finally decided to offer the U.S. a taste of exactly what had formerly been forbidden fruit. The latest Civic Type R can now be purchased dealers all over the nation. It’s a strongly styled, track-focused hot hatch that’s every bit as wild as past Type Rs, even if it owns with a maturity you wouldn’t get out of a vehicle with such a large wing. However Honda’s decision to provide the United States the Type R doesn’t imply it does not still keep something unique just for Europe. There’s a diesel-powered Civic that still cannot be obtained.
Honda revealed that Civics in Europe will now be offered with an updated diesel engine. And it will not be some teeny-tiny one that just makes a couple dozen horse power. The brand-new engine is a 1.6-liter turbodiesel that creates 118 hp and a healthy 221 lb-ft of torque. Still, it’s not fast. Striking 62 mph takes a leisurely 10.4 seconds.
However while the diesel Civic absolutely will not beat the Type R in a drag race, Honda does state it benefits 76 mpg based on European testing standards. That’s quite outstanding on its own, however Honda also promises those results will be simpler to accomplish in the real life due to a series of engine and exhaust system upgrades.
Unfortunately, there’s no indication that Honda has any intent of providing its new diesel motor in U.S. Civics. It might always change its mind, but for now, the torque 76-mpg Civic will need to remain forbidden fruit. Civic Type R would be enough for now.
