MUGEN EURO, Mugen’s UK-based subsidiary, has confirmed reports that it is developing a one-off highly-tuned Civic Type R ‘Mugen’ hot hatch to assess public reaction in UK and European markets.

Work is currently underway on the car in Japan, after which it will be transported to the UK for testing and further performance development.

Using the same engine and gearbox package as found in the JDM only Civic Mugen RR saloon, Mugen Euro will be squeezing even more power and torque from the 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine as well as improving braking and suspension systems.

A striking new aerodynamics package will improve handling and stability while adding to the Type R’s already menacing aesthetics.

Hiro Toyoda, Vice President of Mugen Euro had this to say:

“In standard trim, the Civic Type R is a thrilling machine to drive. It is a fantastic base model from which we hope to develop one of the quickest point to point front-wheel-drive road cars in the country.”

Unfortunately the good news comes with one caveat, the Civic Type R Mugen is to be a prototype concept car only. There no plans for full production at this stage, but hopefully public reaction will be positive enough to convince Honda otherwise.