Honda has created a fitting farewell for one of its most celebrated models in Europe. To mark the end of nearly three decades of Civic Type R sales on the continent, the brand has unveiled ‘Honda Dream Drives’, an interactive map showcasing more than 120 of Europe’s greatest driving roads. Spanning 25 countries, the map is a gift to enthusiasts, inviting them to discover thrilling ribbons of tarmac, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the world’s most iconic motoring routes.
A Map Curated by Enthusiasts for Enthusiasts
Far more than a static list, Honda’s map is a living, interactive guide crafted in collaboration with motoring journalists, passionate drivers, and Civic Type R fans themselves. Each road was selected for its unique blend of challenges, scenery, and driving pleasure.
The result is a collection that stretches from Scotland’s wild northern coastline to Spain’s sun-drenched southern passes. Drivers can search by theme—scenic, coastal, cross-country, or mountainous—or simply explore by country and let curiosity set the course. Seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensures that these routes aren’t just aspirational but easily accessible behind the wheel.
Iconic Roads and Hidden Gems
The map features some of Europe’s most legendary drives, including:
- Stelvio Pass, Italy – A true driver’s pilgrimage, with hairpins carved into Alpine rock.
- Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania – The road that winds dramatically through the Carpathians.
- North Coast 500, Scotland – A sweeping journey around the country’s rugged northern tip.
Alongside these bucket-list routes are less familiar treasures. The volcanic beauty of Hungary’s Káli-medence, the twisting mountain roads of Pianezze, Italy, and countless other local favourites sit shoulder to shoulder with the greats, ensuring every trip can feel like a discovery.
Nik Pearson, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Honda Motor Europe, captured the spirit of the project:
“Creating a unique, interactive map from this specially commissioned and unprecedented collection of roads is the perfect way to sign-off the Civic Type R in Europe. These icons really come alive when driven for fun, and this map enables enthusiasts to enjoy their potential wherever they are in Europe.”
A Legacy Carved in Asphalt
The ‘Dream Drives’ map is more than a travel guide—it is a love letter to the Type R’s European journey. Since its debut in 1997 with the Integra, the red badge has been synonymous with uncompromising performance and driver engagement. The Civic Type R, launched in 2001 with the EP3 generation, cemented the car’s status as a benchmark hot hatch.
Over the years, more than 70,000 examples have been sold across Europe. The Civic Type R wasn’t just about straight-line speed—it was about lap times, handling, and engagement. It set front-wheel drive production car records at some of Europe’s most revered circuits, including Spa-Francorchamps, Estoril, and Silverstone. Today, the current FL5 Civic Type R still holds the Nürburgring benchmark with an astonishing lap of 7 minutes 44.881 seconds.
As Honda prepares to close this chapter, the ‘Dream Drives’ initiative ensures that the spirit of the Type R endures—not just on track, but on every road where driving is more than just a means of getting from A to B.
Explore Europe’s Greatest Roads
Accessible via hondadreamdrives.com, the interactive map is available on both desktop and mobile. Users can filter by road type, length, or country, with direct navigation links via Google Maps making it easy to set off on a new adventure. Detailed notes also highlight potential hazards, seasonal closures, and must-see highlights along the way.
Whether it’s the Great St Bernard Pass connecting Switzerland to Italy, Slovenia’s Vršič Pass with its 50 hairpins, or France’s legendary Col de Turini, the map invites drivers to experience Europe’s most rewarding routes with the same spirit of joy and precision that defined every Civic Type R.
The Joy of Driving, Preserved
Honda’s Type R story in Europe may be reaching its finale, but its influence is indelible. By curating the greatest roads across the continent, Honda ensures that the thrill of driving—the very essence of Type R—remains accessible to all.
For enthusiasts, it is not only a farewell but an invitation: to drive further, to discover more, and to experience the joy that lies beyond the next bend.
