If you're not ready for a hybrid-powered fun-to-drive Honda like the CR-Z Concept, the unmistakable Civic Type-R Euro might be more your style. After Australia and South Africa, Japan will be the third country outside Europe to sell the car: Sales begin in 2010.
This is a uniquely styled hatchback with triangular exhaust outlets, white seven-spoke wheels, and a 2.0L four-cylinder engine like the U.S.-market Civic Si. Compared to the Civic Si coupe, however, the Civic Type-R Euro is about 100 pounds lighter and seven inches shorter. The car will do the 0-62 mph sprint in 6.6 sec, Honda says.
Inside, red stitching, special sport seats, and the red Honda badge on the steering wheel signify this is no ordinary Civic. The Type-R Euro sports rear view mirrors with turn signal indicators like the Civic Hybrid and a gas door finished in silver, though we're not sure that's a good thing. No matter, this hot hatch is about high-revving fun and, though the U.S. will never see a Type-R Euro, we have a feeling Honda won't have trouble finding enough Japanese enthusiasts to snap up these units.