Honda celebrates Type R double century

Friday, 6 March 2020

Honda says that, since launching in New Zealand, two hundred Civic Type R's have been sold. In light of the milestone the company is offering a special, New Zealand-exclusive Type R endowed with Mugen parts.

For those not in the know, Mugen is Honda's main tuning outfit. It was started by the son of Soichiro Honda in 1973 and has become hugely successful in motorsport internationally. Mugen supplied engines that resulted in Formula 1 victories along with numerous other championships.

The Mugen Equipped Type R will start at $64,990 and get a unique front splitter, rear diffuser and a carbon fibre spoiler.

Honda has sold 200 Civic Type R's since 2017 and is celebrating with the NZ-exclusive Mugen Equipped edition.

Additional packs, including styling, handling and performance upgrades will be offered as optional extras. These will range from $990 up to $11,990.

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Honda isn't even breaking the bank for it either, with Mugen Equipped Type R's starting at only $64,990.

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It gets Mugen-spec carbon fibre exterior bits as standard, like the spoiler, diffuser and front splitter, while performance and interior packs will be available as well.

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And, if that's not enough, Honda has said it has put its hand up for the the RC20GT Mugen complete car package, shown in the video above.

Honda says as further parts under development are released by Mugen, these will be made available to Mugen Equipped owners.

A complete Mugen catalogue build is upwards of ¥2,500,000 or around NZ$38,000 NZD.

'We aren't expecting any buyers to choose a full catalogue build, but we will gladly support and facilitate such a request,' said Matt Woodburn, Marketing & Product Manager at Honda New Zealand.

'We also put our hand up for the RC20GT Mugen complete car package, to be assembled with the support of Mugen Japan in our Nelson Distribution Centre.'

The RC is a Mugen concept car that essentially ramps the Civic Type R up to eleven. It gets a carbon front bumper, front lip spoiler, side skirts, rear wing, bonnet and rear bumper.

Performance mods include a high-performance exhaust system, high-performance brakes, 'pro-spec' suspension, lightweight wheels, a better intake and a sports steering wheel.

There are also slight redesigns to the bodywork, like the larger front grille and single-exit exhaust tip.

Just ten Mugen Equipped Type R's will be offered but you can still buy the standard Civic Type R for $59,990. As for the 2021 range, we're hoping the subtler Sport Line and more hardcore Limited Edition will join Honda's local Type R family.