Oh no! This new 'Ultimate Edition' marks the end for the FL5 Honda Civic Type R

Bad news! After just three years on sale the FL5-generation Honda Civic Type R - the hot hatch GOAT - is being killed off in the UK and Europe. Good news! It's going out in a blaze of turbocharged, bewinged, Championship White glory.

A limited blaze, of course. Because Honda is only making 40 of these very final ‘Ultimate Edition’ cars. It gets Honda’s classic white paint and a series of red accents and decals, including a go-faster pinstripe on the bonnet and a staggered motif along the sides.

There’s more carbon detailing on the rear wing, doorstep trim and centre console, while the cabin gets additional lighting for the cupholder and foot wells. A Type R logo now also projects onto the ground when the doors are opened. Nice.

Honda will throw in a celebratory gift box as part of the deal too, which contains a carbon key ring, custom floor mats and a bespoke car cover.

The core internals remain the same, which means a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot sending 324bhp and 310lb ft of torque to the front wheels via a manual gearbox. That’s 0-62mph in 5.4s before maxing out at 171mph.

Good numbers, especially for a hot hatch. It’s also worth remembering the FL5 has broken numerous front-wheel drive lap records during its reign, most notably at Suzuka and that really big track in Germany.

Honda's European strategy and product boss Hannah Swift said: “As we say farewell to a true icon of the Honda automobile line-up in Europe, we thought it was fitting to give the Civic Type R the ultimate send-off with this special edition model offering our customers a unique opportunity to celebrate its legacy.

"The industry is changing, and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation. However, Type R has always been Honda’s ultimate expression of our passion for driving excitement, and we look forward to celebrating its heritage in the weeks and months ahead.”

Only 40 Ultimate Edition cars are coming to Europe in total, of which 10 have been allocated for the UK. No word on pricing, but expect a hefty premium on a boggo Type R’s £51,905 starting cost.