Honda Civic Type R (FL5R) debuts with Racing Black Package at Tokyo Auto Salon 2025

Honda unveiled a new variant of its Civic Type R at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon: the Racing Black Package. This edition trades the model’s signature bold red interior for a more understated black theme, introducing subtle refinements to the car’s cabin. However, the updated aesthetic comes at a higher price, retailing for 5,998,300 yen (approximately RM172,000), compared to the standard Civic Type R’s 4,997,300 yen (around RM143,000).

The most significant change with the Racing Black Package lies in its interior. Honda replaces the red suede upholstery and carpets with black suede, giving the cabin a quieter, more subdued look. Light grey stitching replaces the red contrast stitching found in the standard model, contributing to the new theme.

However, Honda hasn’t entirely abandoned the red accents. The seatbelts, the steering wheel’s Type R badge, and the ambient lighting retain the familiar red touches.

Other interior updates include swapping the shiny trim on the climate controls and air vent stalks for darker finishes. Meanwhile, the rubberized dashboard has been replaced with a suede-lined surface, a move Honda says helps reduce light reflections. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror is also included in this package, adding a touch of practicality

While the interior adopts a darker tone, the Racing Black Package is available in a range of exterior colors:

• Championship White

• Crystal Black Pearl

• Frame Red

• Racing Blue Pearl

• Sonic Gray Pearl (offered as an additional cost option)

These options give buyers flexibility to pair the muted interior with their choice of vibrant or subdued exterior finishes.

Mechanically, the Racing Black Package makes no changes to the Civic Type R

. Under the hood is the familiar K20C 2.0-litre inline-four VTEC Turbo engine, producing 330 PS (326 hp or 243 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque between 2,600 and 4,000 rpm. The front wheels are powered exclusively via a six-speed manual transmission, maintaining the driving dynamics for which the Type R is known.

The Racing Black Package offers a fresh take on the Civic Type R, but at a premium price point. For some, the muted interior updates and refined materials may justify the extra cost, while others might view the changes as cosmetic rather than essential. With no performance upgrades included, the variant seems targeted at enthusiasts who want the Type R’s capability without its trademark visual loudness.

Ultimately, the Racing Black Package adds variety to the Civic Type R lineup, catering to those who prioritize subtlety over the bold aesthetics that have long been associated with Honda’s hot hatch. Whether it’s worth the extra price tag will depend on individual preferences.