VIDEO: Honda Civic Type R Mugen with 240HP Test Drive in Europe

Even though Honda has yet to confirm production of the Mugen prepped Civic Type R as the model still retains its concept title, the Japanese firm shipped the car over to the UK for further development and while they were at it, they gave it to Autocar magazine for a test drive. Matt Prior, the journalist who sat behind the steering wheel of the prototype model notes that Mugen's engineers need to work more on the Civic Type R's chassis and especially the rear suspension to make it competitive with other special hot hatches from Europe like the Renault Megane R26.R.

On the other hand, the Mugen Civic Type R's modified 2.0-liter VTEC engine that has received a 40 horsepower boost producing a total output of 240HP looks nd... sounds quite promising - see in the video how easily the naturally-aspirated four banger hits the rev limiter at 8,500 rpm.

Other upgrades include a new aero kit with a huge rear wing and a high performance brake system while Mugen's team also incorporated a number of weight savings measures such as stripping out the interior of any unnecessary items like the rear seats and using lighter alloy wheels that are shod in sport tires.

For our image gallery on the Civic Type R Mugen, click here and for the promotional video, here.