2022 Honda Civic Type R will retain a turbo petrol engine in Europe, as per reports

KUALA LUMPUR: Last month, Honda confirmed that it would completely phase out internal combustion engines from its European lineup by 2022, following strict emissions standards of the Old Continent. Also, the automaker revealed its plan of bringing hybrid or fully electric versions of every mainstream model between 2022 to 2025. 

But, here we found a special case, and that is the upcoming Type R trim of the eleventh-generation Civic. The hot model will hit the market in 2022 and will be one of the last purely gasoline-powered Honda cars on sale, according to a recent report by Autocar.

Refuting all the rumors saying the upcoming hatch would go hybrid with AWD, the UK publication claims that the automaker will once again stick to its ongoing recipe, which includes a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine. However, a small bump in power is expected over the current 316 hp; a major boost is unlikely due to its front-wheel-drive setup.

Moving to the torque levels, the hot hatch already shines in this category with a peak torque delivery of 400 Nm from 2,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. For this, an improvement is expected due to the retuning of turbocharger response. Other upgrades are said to include a dual-axis strut front and multi-link rear suspension along with an advanced limited-slip differential.

In terms of design, the upcoming Civic Type R may feature a more toned-down appearance along with a longer wheelbase. Also, a dramatic cabin makeover can be seen with a more mature look and feel, and quality improvements. Moreover, the hot hatchback is also likely to get a significantly overhauled infotainment system.

Unlike the ongoing generation, the 2022 Honda Civic Type R will be built in the US at the company’s Indiana plant, following the closure of the Swindon factory in the UK later this year. 

Also read: Honda and Acura EVs to be manufactured by GM