Some of the best things in life are limited edition. The fact that there is only a select number available makes owning one all the more prestigious and desirable. The Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition has taken the world by storm and seems to be more than capable of living up to the name of limited. 

It’s got some of the best specs the Honda Civic has to offer, so demand is going to be very high. Tragically, America is only going to get a small number, according to MotorTrend. Is it really worth the money, however?

Less is more with the Honda Civic Type R

How does one make a vehicle that is already known for its speed faster than ever? According to Honda, you shave some metal and parts off in some key areas, making it lighter. Does it work, however?

The Honda Civic Type R LE proves this to be true. The Type R LE only weighs 3,100 lbs, thanks to Honda knocking 50 lbs off the Touring trim. It was no easy feat, but the results are undeniable.

While there is no engine upgrade, the Type R LE gets more speed, more power, and is more delightful to drive than the Type R Touring. It comes equipped with a front-engine 2.0-liter that produces 295 hp and 295 lb-ft. 

The Type R LE is also a front-wheel-drive four-door hatchback. Its speed is definitely topped by other competitors since the Type R takes 5.0 seconds to reach 60 mph from a dead stop. Still, given the price range, that’s more than acceptable for most drivers. The gas mileage is also decent enough with 22 mpg city, 28 mpg hwy, and 25 mpg overall.

How does the competition stack up?

The Honda Civic Type R has some stiff competition out there. Between the Subaru WRX STI and the Volkswagen Golf R, there are some really great choices for drivers who are looking for a hatchback. The Type R had some of the top specs before the LE came along, however.

The Volkswagen Golf R comes with AWD, which is always an attractive option. The 2.0-liter engine gives the Golf R a superior ride. It’s definitely the better vehicle for daily driving, but it can’t top the Honda Civic Type R LE on the track.

The Subaru WRX STI is another great option. It comes equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine that can produce 310 hp and 290 lb-ft. It looks great and has plenty of power, but the ride can sometimes be rather rough and noisy.

Why would you want the Honda Civic Type R LE?

Yes, it’s limited edition. That always sounds cool when telling everyone about your beloved new vehicle, but does the Type R LE have anything else to offer for the $44,950 price tag? The answer is yes. There are some features that you can get only on the LE, and these do more than add some nice cosmetic effect.

One of those features is an improved software update for the electronically controlled shock absorbers. There is also the exclusive Phoenix Yellow paint with a black roof. Those are only available on the LE.

There’s also the little fact that only 600 Type R LEs will be sent to America. This greatly increases the appeal, as only 600 Americans will be able to own one. There’s also no pre-order option, so you have to contact your local Honda dealer and try to order one there. With any luck, you’ll be able to get one. They’ll be going fast, though, so don’t wait.