What's all this about?

It's only been on sale for two years, but the Honda Civic Type R has reached the end of its production run, and Honda has announced that the final 100 examples of its manic hot hatch will be slightly different from the rest. Entitled Black Edition and based on the top-spec GT trim level, the cars are painted black (obviously) and have red accents on the rear wing end plates, with the predominantly black interior also featuring some red detailing.

No performance upgrades then?

No, but the bewinged, super stiff, 310hp weapon wasn't exactly shy in the first place...

How much will it cost?

There's no difference in price over the regular GT spec cars, and this final edition is sure to appeal to true Type R enthusiasts. Phil Webb of Honda UK commented, "There are only going to be 2,500 of the current Civic Type Rs on UK roads, so the car is going to be pretty special as it is - but with the addition of this special limited run of 100 Black Editions to the product line-up, owners will have a real collectors piece on their hands."

Any other news?

Production of the current Civic has now been wound up at the Swindon factory, and preparations are well underway for the next generation hatchback to begin deliveries in March. The new Type R expected in dealers in the second half of 2017.

Matt Robinson - 10 Jan 2017