Thursday 19th February 2015

Honda Civic Type R EK9: Spotted

New Civic Type R excitement not at fever pitch yet? This should help!

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I'm writing this listening to 'Just a Day' by Feeder. It had to be done. The EK9 Civic Type R is one of those magnificent JDM cars that Gran Turismo introduced us too and has remained very special ever since. With the latest Civic Type R tantalisingly close, that was all the excuse required to talk about the original.

Money shot. Looks great

The new car will of course be very different to this one. But for legions of fans (myself included), cars like the EK9 are what made them Type R people. Quite plain styling but clever engineering, an engine that revved like nothing else and fantastic handling that captured hearts and minds. We were doing well in the UK with the DC2 Integra and Accord (and indeed the VTI version of the Civic) but those that had virtually experienced the EK9 Type R, even in the early Gran Turismos, knew it would be similarly special.

Look at the spec: 185hp at 8,200rpm, a kerbweight under 1,100kg, helical limited-slip and, er, 118lb ft. In a world of low-effort, maximum-reward turbos, this sort of engine must feel even more thrilling that it did in the late 90s. Because, let's be honest, that was a the main part of a Type R's appeal. Of course VTEC isn't the most practical thing in the world and can be a little tiresome when you're not in the mood. But that intensity, response and noise in the final reaches of the powerband is just so exciting. Need proof? See here.

Manna from heaven for Type R fans. Yo

Now obviously because it is so seldom available in the UK, the EK9 Civic Type R is quite expensive. Sort of £8K expensive. Even the very best versions of the UK EP3 (a very good car in itself) are less than this car. But doesn't it look pristine? It's only covered 70,000 miles, it's from the very last years of EK9 production and there's even 'no seat ware'. Purists would probably want Championship White but black suits it just fine. And remember when 15-inch wheels just looked fine?

You may have guessed I'm rather taken by this little Civic. Yes, it's expensive but it's also an icon for a few where the UK cars never will be. With the cash it would sit just nicely in my JDM garage of R32 GT-R, Trueno AE86 and RX-7 Spirit R. Let's see what Honda can deliver with the upcoming Civic Type R. I can't wait.

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HONDA CIVIC TYPE R EK9
Engine: 1,595cc four-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive, limited-slip diff
Power (hp): 185@8,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 118@7,500rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1999
Recorded mileage: 69,511
Price new: N/A (JDM import)
Yours for: £8,485

See the original advert here.

 

[The Don of Croy]

Very nice. Very, very nice.

Only needs a sunroof and I'd be there with the readies...

[kambites]

Lovely little car but is it really worth £9k?!?

[soad]

Strong money, eh.

[cocopop]

That's fantastic, would definitely be in my perfect garage.

[dinkel]

They are rare or modded bij the Vmax brigade.

Drive one and you are sold.

[HorneyMX5]

Sub 6 seconds to 60mph in an NA hot hatch in the late 90's must have felt like a true giant slayer.

[iloveboost]

Nice car but I don't think it's worth more than the equivalent DC2 Integra Type R, as they're a little bit worse. I know they're rarer in this country than the Integra, but it seems a bit expensive to me. I guess the thing is, where do you find another one like that? Tricky to price, but someone may bite. Clearly the dealer thinks so! I think £6K is a fair price for a dealer to sell a car like that at.

Edited by iloveboost on Thursday 19th February 11:54

[ShuthanVtec]

That is way overpriced, as much as this car is good, no one will pay that much for it when there are good examples going between 5-6K,

My mate had an EK9 in champ white and it was great, just wasn't my cup of tea as it always felt it needed the B18C from the Integra Type-R.

This looks to be a great example and a tad rare in Black.

[nicolelh]

Worth way more than a dc2 imo. Rarer and better looking
My black pre face was only £5k with something like 56k and two UK owners.
Been worth every penny and made me want to spend fortunes on it

[nicolelh]

Im guessing it's fresh import? Couldn't see in the ad
It looks immaculate tbf

[Oz83]

The EK9 is a fanboys dream but in reality that B16 couldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding. The 0-60 is flattering but they are pretty gutless and tiresome to drive, especially if you live anywhere with hills.

If I wanted something of this vintage I would choose a DC2 over this - the B18 with slightly more torque is more drivable, the handling is superior, and they look better.

To be honest if I wanted an old, fast Civic it would be an EP3 with some minor suspension modifications/setup and an LSD. You could do it all for around £5-6K and an EK9 wouldn't see which way it went.

[soad]

nicolelh said:

Im guessing it's fresh import? Couldn't see in the ad
It looks immaculate tbf

ad said:

Be the first UK owner of this freshly imported rare Honda Civic TypeR EK9, imported by DCY Europe the UK’s longest trading importers with the biggest name! As with all our vehicles quality is paramount. This TypeR is no exception coming fresh in from Japan meaning no rust, it’s a 1999 car one of the last made. finished in gleaming black with Red Recaro sports interior (zero seat ware) These little Civics give an impressive 180hp and this EK9 is in superb condition throughout. Not to be compared with the usual tat that’s around. We strongly recommend viewing of our vehicles to appreciate the quality.

[muppet42]

I'd rather get something like this... http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/h... and use the money I'd save on something else.

That said, I do quite like and appreciate the EK9 for what it is. Though I maybe prefer the shape of the EP3 or earlier EG - the refinement of the EP or the slightly less awkward shape of the EG.

I'd rather like a VTEC of some sort soon though as I say, I'd probably go the way of the Integra. Or hell, an S2k and lose some practicality. Ok, so when I think about it, the EK9s not actually that high on my list of Hondas I'd want to get for a little under £9k

[Eddh]

The Don of Croy said:

Only needs a sunroof and I'd be there with the readies...

Are you MENTAL?! The tin top is part of the appeal on these!

[dinkel]

EG awkward?

[Richair]

Lovely cars and littered with lots of JDM engineering geekyness, expensive yes, but also pretty unique and well ahead of Renaultsport and contemporaries on building a 'race inspired' hot hatch. I did come very close to buying a freshly imported unmoslested one a few years back but after driving one against a DC2 it was the Integra that stole my heart. As to me with the ITR it felt like I was getting more car for my money and as daily drive I felt I couldn't live with the weedy mid-range of the b16b, not that the b18 is particularly torque rich!.. Both very, very good cars and proper classics in my eyes. I'm not sure I could personally bring myself to spend 9k on one, but there will be plenty of people out there that will I'm sure!

[RacingBlue]

Much as I like it, it's too expensive for what it is. I'd rather a Clio Trophy and plenty of change.

[InfamousKeiran]

I love the EK9 as much as the next Honda fanboy but I feel they command a JDM scene tax. The reality is that the DC2 is the better car...

[muppet42]

dinkel said:

EG awkward?
...

Didn't say it was, hence why I said "slightly less awkward". Aesthetic appeal of cars is always up for debate and I do reckon the EG is one of the better proportioned Civics, in hatchback and coupe form especially.

[SaqibCTR]

Cracking little cars, absolutely love mine. Preferred the looks and interior over the DC2.

£5-6k will get you a tidy example. £8,500 isn't reflective of what buyers typically pay for an EK9.

Still not sure about the "not enough torque" comments - how much torque were you expecting a NA 1.6 to produce?