The Honda Accord Type R was launched in 1998, marketed by Honda as a family saloon you can take to the track at the weekends.
Assembled at the Honda UK Manufacturing (HUM) plant in Swindon, the Accord Type R utilising the CH1 chassis was solely for the UK market with just over 2000 apparently. At its peak, 1807 were registered on UK roads, with a small number of left-hand drive models destined for Europe. As of Q3 2022 there are less than 250 registered ATR’s on UK roads.
Perhaps their absence from the USA and Japan markets lead to the ATR being given the moniker of the “unknown” or “forgotten” Type R, although Japan wanted in on the action and confusingly released the “Euro R” on the CL1 chassis.
The ATR carried the ethos of the Type R’s that preceded it, not just bolt-ons to an existing model, but a purposely built redesign. The ATR’s engine, the H22A7, is an engine exclusive to the ATR. It’s 2.2 litre VTEC pushing 212 PS/209 BHP, slightly variable due to being hand-built in Swindon and sent to Japan for a hand porting and polishing. Some say you can spot the difference from one ATR to another due to this. VTEC kicks in (YO!) at around 5800 RPM and produces smiles all the way to the rev limiter.
The ATR also had a 40% stiffer chassis than the normal Accord, wider arches, lowered suspension, twin pot brakes, Recaro Seats, a leather-bound Momo steering wheel, a working spoiler (for stability, not down-force!), no sound deadening, the list goes on…
Production ran from 1998 to 2002 with a facelift model being released in 2001 which had mainly cosmetic changes such as different front and rear bumpers, slatted front grill, a bee-sting aerial repositioned to the roof, an aluminium gearstick knob (whereas the pre had a titanium one), and droopy exhaust tips hidden up under the rear bumper. Some see the facelift styling as a toning down of the slightly more aggressive look of the pre-facelift models.
Colour options were limited to:
1998 -Late 2000 – Vesuvio Red, Pirates Black and Titan Silver.
Late 2000-2002 (facelift) – Milano Red, Nighthawk Black and Satin silver.
Some later pre-facelift models were also available in facelift colours and some early facelift models could be found in pre-facelift colours as Honda ran down paint supplies and started using new stock. 50 left hand drive models were destined for Europe in Championship White – these were numbered editions.
Dealer options were limited. You could choose to have electric windows in the rear, air conditioning, reversing sensors, a low-rise rear spoiler or spoiler delete at no extra cost, red and black Alcantara or red and black leather interior, plus the addition of a red and black Momo steering wheel, to name but a few.
ATR elders can be found sitting around campfires telling stories of a factory fitted shift light in the dashboard to hit the perfect in VTEC gear change, but like unicorn tears and dragon scales, one is yet to be seen in the flesh.
Performance wise, the ATR’s can do 0-62 in sub 7 seconds, not mind-blowing by today’s performance saloons, but it was quick in its day. However, the ATR is not about straight-line speed; thanks to a Torsen limited slip differential (LSD), it comes alive in corners and twisty B-roads. The fantastic chassis, suspension, brakes and engine all combine to make one of the best handling FWD cars ever made. It makes light work of whatever you throw at it, or rather it at, and is such a rewarding drive. For those that like a bit of track action, the ATR is more than capable and often poses a threat to bigger BHP adversaries.
With so few numbers left, good examples are starting to command strong money. There’s always a possibility of them being an investment for the future, but these cars love to be driven, and driven hard.
If you are considering purchasing an Accord Type R, please also see our Buyers Guide