The Honda Civic that you forgot and that paved the way for the Type R

Honda’s Type R nameplate makes the eyes of JDM enthusiasts sparkle. First introduced in the Honda NSX of the 1990s, it was also used to showcase the sportiest sides of the Integra and Accord nameplates. But it’s the Honda Civic Type R that’s having the biggest impact, as evidenced by the fact that it’s the longest-running and still-standing modern ‘Type-R’ nameplate as of 2025. Even as icons like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Subaru WRX STI disappeared, Honda held on to the Civic Type R.

However, not many people know the origin story of arguably one of the best front-wheel drive sports cars ever made. The prelude to this celebrated nameplate was modest, and it wasn’t even called the Type R. The inspiration was a sporty equipment package from the standard three-door Civic, which added a lot more character and drama to the otherwise modest urban runabout. Here’s everything you need to know about the EF9 Honda Civic SiR.

The Honda Civic SiR is the reason we have the Civic Type R today

This Civic marked the beginning of making race car technology accessible to the masses

The fourth generation Honda Civic (1987-1990) is a very special generation, because it gave birth to the idea of Civic Type R. The very first EK9 Type R came much later, in 1997, as a Japan-only model, but its origin story began with the SiR trim package, which was offered on the JDM-spec 4th generation Honda Civic from late 1989. The EF9 Honda Civic SiR is special and revered for being the first of its kind to bring the then state-of-the-art racing technology to the common people.

But like all good things, this Civic was also a JDM-specific model, and we didn’t get that in America. Funnily enough, despite being an icon today, this model wasn’t the highlight of the launch event as the spotlight was on the more mass-produced standard Civic. But that didn’t stop it from gaining recognition from enthusiasts for its punchy VTEC engine, independent suspension and even an optional limited-slip differential. For better penetration, Honda also offers a more “luxury” version of the Civic SiR with a sunroof, ABS, power windows and power side mirrors.

The first Civic to use VTEC technology

Added versatility and eagerness to the 1.6 liter mill

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This makes the 1989-1991 Honda Civic SiR extra special. It has Honda’s very first VTEC engine: the B16A. This was the very first B-Series engine, introducing the now popular Honda Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Electronic Lift Control (VTEC) technologies. This was a groundbreaking feature at the time, with the engine receiving two different camshaft profiles. One for the lower speeds aimed at fuel consumption, the other for higher speeds for better performance; or, in other words, “The VTEC went into effect, yo!” moment.

This engine was a screamer for its time, with a redline of 8,100 rpm. The B16A four-cylinder engine was again offered only in Japan in its most powerful version. It produces 158 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 112 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm. The European model received a less powerful B16A1 version, named “1.6i-VT” and producing 147.5 hp. Power is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. A 4-speed automatic was also offered, but received the lower power version.

Engine and gearbox specifications

(Japanese model details are listed here)

Evidence aimed at making the Civic SiR an exciting driving machine

Can aptly be called a ‘Nimble Hooligan’

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The chassis was identical to the standard fourth-generation three-door Civic. But the SiR package adds to the charm with features like front and rear ventilated disc brakes (a rare feat even on sports cars of the era) and double wishbone suspension front and rear. It also includes front and rear stabilizer bars. With a short wheelbase of just 98.4 inches and a curb weight of less than 2,200 pounds, the Civic SiR offers an impressive power-to-weight ratio.

Add to that the optional limited slip differential and we can easily imagine what a hoot this low-riding Honda can be, even by today’s standards. No wonder it was a hit among enthusiasts. Furthermore, Honda knew very well who they were targeting with this driver’s car, and so the SiR offered a manual air conditioning system and semi-bucket seats in the front to complete the ‘sporty’ look.

Dimensions and weight

Distinctive but minimal visual cues to stand out

A wolf in sheep’s clothing

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The SiR was only offered as a three-door hatchback and looks a lot like the standard fourth-generation Civicapart from the “SiR” badge of course. However, there were subtle differences that a keen eye would notice. Notable examples include a raised center section of the hood instead of the standard lowered design, and wraparound turn signals on the front bumper that made the front end look more refined and cohesive. Since the differences were very minor, the only way to tell an SiR from a standard Civic was by the badging.

The insane popularity and underpinnings of the SiR contributed to the creation of the Type R

A win-win situation for enthusiasts

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The combination of a powerful VTEC engine, agile dynamics and sporty elements inside and out made the Honda Civic SiR quite a popular offering among enthusiasts. This was a car that you could drive to a race track and drive away again without having to make any major modifications. The icing on the cake was Honda’s renowned reliability, which gave the public a taste of track-ready performance at a fraction of the price of an exotic sports car. The fame of the SiR motivated Honda to build the very first EK9 Civic Type R for the Japanese market. It was introduced in 1997 and is based on the sixth generation Civic SiR.

The Type-R features a hand-ported 1.6-liter VTEC inline-four, producing 182 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission. It also came standard with a helical limited slip differential. The chassis of the first Type R was seam welded to improve rigidity and, by extension, handling.

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The interior was packed with sporty features, including a titanium gear knob and red Recaro seats, with matching red inserts on the door trim and floor mats. There was also a more aggressive, track-oriented version, the Motorsports Edition. It came with steel wheels, manual windows and was stripped of air conditioning and an audio system to save weight. The Civic SiR was the ultimate version of a sporty Civic until the Type R came along and turned things up even further.

The current generation Honda Civic Type R continues the legacy

Still the ultimate new Honda car for enthusiasts

Honda

The The 2025 Civic Type R, while significantly heavier and more mature, continues to honor the legacy of the Civic SiRcausing enthusiasts to love – and, dare we say, even ‘fear’ – a spicy little Honda. The current model, unlike the original, is offered as a four-door fastback with enough space for four passengers. The latest Type R is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that produces 315 hp and 310 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm respectively.

It redlines at 7,000 rpm, which should explain why the 8,100 rpm redline of the original fourth-generation Civic SiR is still considered a big deal. Technology plays a major role in increasing sporting appeal. Notable ride-enhancing features include drive-by-wire throttle control, four driving modes (Comfort, Sport, Individual and +R) and rev adjustment for the six-speed manual transmission.