Civic Type R

Make
Honda
Segment
Hatchback

The all-new Honda Civic Type R will only be built in Japan and not in America as previously thought.

Before you break out the pitchfork, this move has nothing to do with American build quality. Honda continues to trust the USA with the assembly of the Acura NSX, which is still being built in Ohio.

The previous generation Type R was built exclusively at Honda's plant in Swindon, UK. Due to Brexit, Honda decided to close down that particular facility, which imported the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine from the USA. The Swindon factory closed down last year after 36 years in operation. After the closure, it was widely believed that Type R production would move to the USA.

The reason the USA has not been entrusted with Type R assembly is quite simple. According to The Drive, the Greensburg plant's focus is on volume, which means there is no room for a niche product like the Type R.

"For the past three generations the Civic Type R was built in the UK as it was the only plant building the Civic Hatchback after the 2006 model year," a Honda spokesperson revealed. "Due to a realignment of global production, that plant has since closed."

"Our Indiana plant is at capacity and focused on two very high-volume products, Civic Hatchback and CR-V," said Honda. "Adding a smaller-volume model like the Type R to that mix doesn't fit with the facility's focus at this time."

While the new Type R appears to be a splendid all-around car, much has been said about the design in particular. Honda moved away from the bonkers design of the previous model, opting to keep only a few toned-down design elements.

The new Civic Type R's production is another world-first for Honda. It will be the first time a Civic Type R built in Japan is exported globally.