The Spirit Leaders of Each Honda Civic Generation (Part 3)

Hello, my friend...

Welcome to a hidden gem—OLD FISHER DISCOUNT, your one-stop online shop with 7,000+ unique finds waiting for you.

Explore a World of Discoveries

Dive into our collection and uncover special treasures that will delight and inspire.

Start Your Journey Here: www.fisherdiscount.com

Come and see why we’re more than just a shop; we’re a place of endless possibilities!

The last installment introduced the EK9, EP3, and FD2 Civic Type R models—arguably the golden era of the Civic’s high-performance legacy. This article continues the journey with a detailed look at the eighth and ninth generations.

Eighth-Generation Civic: FN2 and FG2

The eighth-generation Civic split into multiple versions:

FA (four-door for US/Asia markets)

FG (two-door for US markets)

FN (three-door hatch for Europe)

FK (five-door hatch for Europe)

FN2 Type R

The FN2 Type R was based on Honda's Global Small Platform (GSP), shared with the Fit (Jazz). Using the Fit's chassis allowed Honda to compete in Europe’s B-segment market against popular models like the VW Golf and Renault Mégane. This strategy proved successful, earning the FN2 Type R a strong fanbase, especially among racing enthusiasts.

Despite sharing the same K20A engine as the FD2 Type R, the FN2 delivered slightly lower performance due to its structural design and market positioning. The FN2 was also exported to Japan as a premium “imported” model, making it exclusive and costly for local buyers.

FN2 Type R Specifications

Wheelbase: 2,635 mm

Front/Rear Track: 1,505 mm / 1,530 mm

Weight: 1,320 kg

Engine: K20A

Displacement: 1,998 cc

Max Power: 201 hp @ 7,800 rpm

Max Torque: 19.7 kg·m @ 5,600 rpm

Transmission: 6MT

FG2 Civic Si

The US-exclusive FG2 Civic Si Coupe came with the K20Z3 engine, delivering 200 hp. Its affordability, strong performance, and ease of modification made it a popular choice among Civic enthusiasts.

FG2 Specifications

Wheelbase: 2,700 mm

Weight: 1,340 kg

Engine: K20Z3

Max Power: 197 hp @ 7,800 rpm

Max Torque: 19.1 kg·m @ 6,100 rpm

Transmission: 6MT

Ninth-Generation Civic: FB6 and FK2

The ninth-generation Civic was primarily developed for overseas markets. In the US, it was available as the FB6 (four-door sedan) and FG4 (two-door coupe). Meanwhile, Europe retained the FK hatchback but dropped the three-door option.

FB6 Civic Si

The FB6 featured the K24Z7 engine with 201 hp and a 6-speed manual transmission. While sold briefly in China, its lackluster sales were attributed to its uninspiring performance.

FB6 Specifications

Wheelbase: 2,619 mm

Weight: 1,313 kg

Engine: K24Z7

Max Power: 205 hp @ 7,000 rpm

Max Torque: 24 kg·m @ 4,400 rpm

Transmission: 6MT

FK2 Type R (2015)

The FK2 marked the return of the Type R badge after a three-year hiatus. Developed in Europe, it served as a bridge to the tenth-generation FK8 Type R, featuring a turbocharged K20C1 engine producing an impressive 310 hp.

FK2 Type R Specifications

Wheelbase: 2,600 mm

Weight: 1,380 kg

Engine: K20C1

Max Power: 310 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Max Torque: 40.8 kg·m @ 2,500–4,500 rpm

Transmission: 6MT

Tenth-Generation Civic: FK8 Type R

The FK8 represents the pinnacle of Honda’s Civic Type R engineering. It is the first global Type R model, available in the US, Europe, and Japan. Powered by the same K20C1 engine as the FK2, the FK8 produces 320 hp and features advanced suspension and aerodynamics for unmatched performance.

FK8 Type R Specifications

Wheelbase: 2,700 mm

Weight: 1,390 kg

Engine: K20C1

Max Power: 320 hp @ 6,500 rpm

Max Torque: 40.8 kg·m @ 2,500–4,500 rpm

Transmission: 6MT

The Spirit of Honda’s Type R Legacy

The FN2, FG2, FB6, FK2, and FK8 have all contributed to Honda’s Type R legend. However, the true spiritual leaders remain models like the EK9, EP3, and FD2, which defined the golden era of Civic performance.

Honda’s NSX-R models stand as the ultimate representation of the brand’s engineering excellence, revered across all Honda enthusiasts. Until the next NSX Type R arrives, the original NSX-R remains Honda’s crown jewel.

Stay tuned for more insights on Honda’s iconic vehicles!

Share your thoughts below!

Don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and TAG your friends!