Honda Civic type R (EK9) Touring

The first Civic to receive the 'Type R' nameplate was based on the sixth-generation of the fan-base 'EK' Civic. The contributing base model was the JDM Civic 3-door hatchback called the SiR (code-named EK4). Like its sibling, the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8, the Civic SiR's transformation into a Type R was achieved by working on the base model and improving it to Honda's idea of a car capable of high performance on the circuit.

The first Civic to receive the Type R badge was introduced on August 19, 1997, as the EK9. The EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8 such as omission of sound deadening and other weight reduction measures, a hand-ported 1.6-litre DOHC VTEC B16B 4-cylinder engine, front-helical limited-slip differential and a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission. The B16B engine boasted one of the highest power output per liter of all time for a naturally aspirated engine with 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) at 8,200 rpm and 160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft) at 7,500 rpm of torque from 1.6 L (1,595 cc) of displacement. For the first time, a strategically seam-welded monocoque chassis was used to improve chassis rigidity. The interior featured red Recaro bucket seats, red door cards, red Type R floor mats, a titanium shift knob, and a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel. The EK9 was only available for sale in Japan.

Performance figures include a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 15.3 seconds. The EK9 could attain a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

In 1998, the Civic Type R Motor Sports edition was introduced. It came with steel wheels, the standard grey EK interior, manual windows, no air conditioning and without any other creature comforts.