The bubbly Honda Civic Type R (EP3) in hot MUGEN kit!
The EP3-generation of Civic Type R sits in a comfortable position in the lineage of being regarded as a good successor to the legendary EK9 before it, and not as much a “disappointment” as the Type R Euro (FN2) that succeeded it.
The EP3 is more known for its United Kingdom Domestic Market (UKDM) spec and it being a UK-focused Type R from Honda. It was such primarily due to Honda’s strategy to shift domestic production to its Swindon plant (operating since 1992) to save on import duties, producing the three (EP code) and five door (EU code) Civic hatchbacks locally.
As for the saloons (ES code), those likely came from a production plant in Turkey. But let’s quickly get back on point.
Allocations for this European-produced Type R proved fewer than previous models as Japan wasn’t the core market – factoring in reverse-import logistics that was both unusual and carried a steeper price tag. Even so, the Japanese-market EP3s seemed to gain a significant buff over the UKDM cars – and it all starts with a rear UK emblem.
Difference trivia
UKDM EP3s used a K20A2 producing 200 horsepower quoted, while JDM EP3s used a K20A producing 210 horsepower (not the same as the DC5R apparently!). The Japanese cars also had a standard limited-slip differential and a 8,300 RPM redline as opposed to the UKDM 7,900.
Where interior parts are concerned, the JDM cars were given the full spec-list that the UKDM cars could only dream of:
- Red RECARO SPJ seats were standard for the JDM cars (similar to the UKDM 30th Anniversary Edition set)
- Red interior carpets for JDM (only available for UKDM Premier Edition, black for UKDM)
- Factory rear window tint (only available for UKDM Premier Edition)
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel (only available for UKDM Premier Edition, all MOMO)
- Optional satellite navigation
Structural differences were also present for the JDM models:
- Thicker anti-roll bars
- Stiffened chassis with improvements made to the rear (kindly confirm with us in the comments!)
Exterior cosmetics, again, also had some variation for JDM compared to the UKDM models:
- Championship White body and wheel paint (unavailable for UKDM. UKDM colors were offered for JDM but are regarded as rarer)
- Black headlight housing
- UK flag emblem on trunk
There is definitely more and citation is needed for the chassis stiffening. But to us, this feels oddly normal for Honda. For certain markets like Malaysia, owners have noted chassis differences particularly with stiffness between Japan-assembled and local assembly cars. More universal to global markets is JDM having more standard and packaged goodies overall than its export markets. We all love parallel imports for a reason.
MUGEN has a parts catalog for nearly every Honda since its inception in 1973. Especially considering its a Type R that we’re focusing on, of course there is one for it. This example shown looks to be a facelift EP3.
On a huge tangent, I’d like to thank my fellow writer Inspiron for linking me a much better way of getting these scans out. I’m particularly proud of this scan, and I hope you like it too.
Brochure scanned from a copy of unknown release date, likely 2004 to 2005.
~Efini
Scans may be downloaded directly via individually downloading via this page, or visit this Drive link.
Read more: Archival: Honda Civic Ferio Honda Access Accessories Catalogue (1993) (Japan)
oh thats sick