Honda Civic Type R LSD (2009) CAR review

We like the Civic Type R here at CAR. Really like it. But there’s always been one thing that’s bothered us: the colour choices. Let me explain. The brilliant driver’s car that was the ’90s Integra Type R wore an iconic white colour scheme. When Honda farewelled the NSX with a Type R special edition? Also white. Even the last generation (known by its EP codename to the anoraks) was available in white – yet only in Japan, despite being built in Swindon! The latest model came only in red, silver, black and a weird bronzy hue that you never, ever see. But no white. Until now!

Okay, okay, you’re excited about the racy white paintjob on the Honda Civic Type R. BIG deal!

That’s Championship White. But there’s a little more to it than that. Championship White isn’t just a paint code, it’s a model in its own right. Order a white Civic Type R and you’ll automatically get white alloys, some insubstantial exterior trim flourishes, the top-level GT trim, and, more intriguingly, a proper mechanical limited slip differential. Yours for £19,565.

Compared like-for-like with a regular GT-spec Type R, that’s a £925 premium. Presumably the white paint doesn’t up manufacturing costs, so that’s a pretty pricey LSD – you’d buy one for your regular Civic for about £550 without Honda’s bulk-buying clout.

At least it’s exclusive, though. How many units is this limited edition limited too?

Only as limited as the order list, but, to look on the bright side, at least you’ll be able to lay your hands on one.

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