Unlike previous Japanese Market versions of the Civic Type-R, which shared the same bodyshell as UK models but featured invariably higher specifications, the JDM Civic Type-R FD2 is based on an entirely different model. Going on sale in Japan on 30th March 2007 for the first time the Civic Type-R was based on a 4 door saloon rather than a hatchback, Honda citing increased stability in high speed cornering as one of the reasons behind this decision.

With the K20A engine featuring the block from the Accord Euro-R CL7 power was higher than the UK Civic at 225PS and 215NM of torque. As had become standard practice with Honda’s JDM variants, a Limited Slip Differential was fitted as standard along with 4 pot Brembo brakes.

Honda made extensive use of aluminium in the larger bodyshell, with this being (where possible) bonded instead of welded to limit weight and increase stiffness, which resulted in the car being up to 50% stiffer than the Integra DC5.