FUJIMAX JDM Car Rental will begin renting the 2010 FN2 Honda Civic Type R Euro starting October 1st.

The final 3-door hatchback Civic Type R

The Civic is Honda's basic model serving as its global strategy, with its history dating back to the first generation in 1972. The Civic Type R is the hot model, featuring aggressive tuning by the manufacturer itself to the engine and body.

Since the debut of the first-generation Civic Type R (EK9) in 1997, the Civic Type R has established an unshakable position as Honda's front-wheel-drive sports car. The second generation was the EP3. While the third-generation FD2 was introduced in Japan, the FN2 Civic Type R was sold in Europe.

The Civic Type R featured a three-door hatchback body up to its second generation, but three-door cars were losing popularity in Japan at that time. Consequently, starting with the third-generation FD2 model, it was reborn as a four-door sedan for the Japanese market.

However, the Civic, which has continued uninterrupted since 1972, has remained a 3-door hatchback as the basic model supporting people's lives. The Civic simply must be a 3-door. Responding to such voices, the limited domestic release of the FN2 Civic Type R in Japan was announced in 2008.

The Civic Type R Euro was sold in limited quantities: 2,010 cars in 2009 and 1,500 cars in 2010. This makes it an extremely rare sports car, with only 3,510 cars sold in Japan. Furthermore, since no three-door Civic has been produced since the FN2 model, it is also the last three-door Civic currently available.

A legendary car ill-fated by the times

However, in 2008, the global financial crisis known as the Lehman Shock occurred. Honda's UK factory producing the FN2 was also forced to suspend operations, and the planned spring 2009 sales launch was postponed to November 2009.

Furthermore, sales in Japan also struggled amid the global recession triggered by the Lehman Shock. Despite being a limited edition of just 3,510 cars, sales ultimately continued until June 2012.

Differences with the FD2 Civic Type R

The FN2's sluggish sales are also said to stem from its performance gap compared to the Japanese-spec FD2 Civic Type R. The fact that these two models were sold at nearly identical prices during the same period may have been a tragedy for the FN2.

Both feature the same VTEC-equipped 2.0L inline-four naturally aspirated engine, the K20A. However, while the FD2 produced 225ps, the FN2's output was a more modest 201ps. This difference stems from variations in compression ratio and the FD2's focus on reducing friction loss and boosting high-rev output—even at the cost of removing the vibration-suppressing balancer shaft.

Furthermore, while the FD2 weighed 1,270 kg, the FN2 weighed 1,320 kg, an increase of 50 kg. This was because the FD2 pursued weight reduction by omitting comfort features like sound insulation materials, whereas the FN2 retained its comfort features.

Moreover, while the FD2 featured a double wishbone rear suspension, the FN2 used a torsion beam suspension. This difference stemmed from the FN2's platform being based on the Honda Fit (=Honda Jazz) of that era.

Due to these differences in specs, the FN2 tends to be judged as inferior to the FD2. However, this is merely judging the FN2 based on a very small part of it. You can only truly appreciate the greatness of the FN2 by actually driving it.

The FN2 embodies "the fastest speed on the road".

While previous Civic Type R models aimed for “the fastest on the circuit,” the FN2 embodied “the fastest on the road.” It was a “traveling Type R” that retained the racing spirit of the Type R while respecting Europe's high speed limits, long distances, and culture of enjoying the journey. That was the FN2.

The K20A engine was widely used in Honda vehicles of that era, but the one fitted to the FN2 features fine-tuning distinct from any other Honda model. In the everyday driving range, it delivers surprisingly rich torque and responsiveness for a NA 2.0L engine. Meanwhile, in the high-rev range where VTEC engages, it showcases breathtaking acceleration and an exhilarating rotational feel.

The K20A, with its specifications exceeding 100ps/L, is unmistakably a racing engine. Paired with it is a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, standard-equipped with a helical LSD. It reliably transfers the K20A's power to the road surface, powerfully pulling the body forward.

The 3-door hatchback body has been thoroughly reinforced with numerous spot welds, a level of work only achievable through factory tuning. This allows the suspension to function effectively, delivering sharp handling.

The FN2's suspension, featuring Sachs dampers, offers a slightly firmer feel than typical production cars. While it conveys road imperfections to the driver, it does so without unpleasant jolts or jarring impacts. The aluminum front lower arms also contribute to reduced unsprung weight. This supple suspension setup delivers a flat, composed ride, giving the driver the joy of navigating winding roads.

The steering's responsiveness is excellent, but what's truly remarkable is the rear suspension's exceptional tracking ability. The torsion beam, reinforced by a stabilizer bar, presses the tires firmly against the road surface, delivering outstanding cornering performance. In fact, this rear suspension is identical to the one used in the FK2 Civic Type R, which set the fastest lap time for a production front-wheel-drive car at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2015.

Aerodynamics were also meticulously engineered, achieving a nearly flat-bottomed underbody through the installation of a huge undercover. The generous use of Type R-specific aerodynamic parts resulted in both high stability at high speeds and low drag. While the catalog top speed is listed as 235 km/h, it is said to actually reach 260 km/h.

Sharp exterior reminiscent of Japanese swords

The FN2's design draws inspiration from Japanese swords. This is most evident in the headlights, which stretch narrowly and elongated to the sides. For their time, these headlights were remarkably slender and long, with a curved, bow-like shape reminiscent of a famously sharp sword. Their low position on the body further enhances the sporty impression. The taillights, extending outwards to the sides, share this same design motif.

The FN2 features an egg-shaped silhouette, yet each design element is defined by sharp, straight lines. The creases along the hood and rear hatch, along with the character lines running along the body sides, form crisp, clean lines—possessing a beauty as if cleanly cut with a Japanese sword.

Interior design that combines sportiness and practicality

The FN2 follows the Type R's design language, featuring a red and black color scheme. It employs a unique engine start method similar to the S2000, requiring the key to be turned before pressing the start button.

The front seats feature a semi-bucket design with firm support. While the seating position is slightly elevated due to the mid-gastank layout, it can be adjusted to a comfortable driving position. The aluminum shift knob is positioned close to the steering wheel, allowing for crisp, satisfying gear changes.

The dashboard features a two-tiered gauge cluster commonly used in Hondas of this era, with the speedometer positioned above and the tachometer below. The gauges have an overall red theme, and the indicator illuminates when VTEC engages.

The driver's side dashboard is angled toward the driver like a fighter jet cockpit, allowing for focused driving. Yet it also features ample comfort amenities, including dual-zone automatic climate control and numerous storage compartments.

The rear seats are surprisingly spacious for a 3-door, comfortably accommodating four adults. The trunk is also large enough, and folding down the rear seats reveals a vast cargo area. It easily handles short trips for four people and is perfectly suited for grand touring for two.

The FN2 worldview shines brightest in the present

In most cases, sports cars are required to be “lightweight and high-powered.” Lightweight construction, in particular, delivers significant benefits, leading to a past trend of pursuing weight reduction even at the expense of driver comfort. However, by 2025, technological advancements have made it possible to achieve both comfort and speed in certain areas.

Type R, bearing the red Honda emblem and proudly bearing the racing “R.” It is a pure sports car born in Japan, honed on the circuit, aiming to capture the essence of a racing car and deliver overwhelming driving pleasure.

The FN2, a “traveling Type R,” might not have been accepted by sports car enthusiasts when it was released, still carrying the lingering scent of the 1990s. Yet this car possesses the pride of a Type R and the solid performance to prove it. Its appeal, which cannot be conveyed by specs alone, can only be truly understood once you drive it.

The FN2 stands apart even among Type R models. Yet its appeal shines brightest today, 16 years after its Japanese release. We invite you to journey along Kyushu's magnificent roads in our rental Civic Type R Euro.