The end of an era will come later this year, as Honda’s European division prepares to close its Swindon production plant — simultaneously ending production of the current award-winning FK8-generation Civic Type R.
The Japanese car-maker’s Australian arm has confirmed that no new Type Rs will be heading over the ditch; current inventory effectively being the last new versions of the hot hatch sold in stores until the next generation comes out.
Australian media reports that the Aussie Type R order books closed last December, despite the refreshed MY2020 model only debuting in October. Curiously, New Zealand Honda fans get something of a reprieve.
Honda New Zealand has confirmed to NZ Autocar that it is still able to order new Type Rs. “We are still accepting customer orders at this stage, and have stock both free and sold arriving up until July,” a spokesperson said.
The next-gen Type R has yet to be detailed, although latest speculation suggests that the model will continue the current formula of pairing a turbocharged 2.0-litre four with front-wheel drive.
It had been thought that the model would go hybrid, but a January report from Autocar UK said that the model would instead stick to familiar territory, and subsequently be the last pure internal combustion engine Honda sold in Europe — all Honda Europe offerings from 2022 are set to be electrified.
It’s yet to be confirmed where in the world the next Type R will be produced, although some have speculated that production will shift to the US. This makes sense, given that the model’s powertrains are already produced there.
As for Honda’s Swindon plant, the facility recently found itself a new owner. Late last month it was confirmed that the 370-acre site would be taken over by a logistics company called Panattoni. The site’s changeover is set to take place in Q2, 2022.
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April 06, 2021 at 08:27AM
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Clock is ticking on Honda Civic Type R orders - Autocar - NZ Autocar
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