When the EP3 hatchback was announced, a lot of controversy was started as this successor of the popular Civic hatchback took the streets. Its unique styling and different headlights in the hatchback form made for a lot of harsh critiques. Truth be told however, the aftermarket was quick on the chassis and within months the EP3 was already blending in with the Civics of the old. Jimmy Doan of Team Supastar loved the new EP3 chassis and couldn’t wait to get his hands on it.
Starting off with the exterior, the blue shaded hatchback got plenty of new modifications. The front lip comes from PhaseLine, mimicking the Mugen style from Japan. A VIS Mugen style carbon fiber hood accents the front end as well. Gone are the stock headlights; the JDM counterparts from the Civic Type-R now fill in the holes. A set of Integra Type-R (DC5) sidemarkers along with Vision carbon fiber mirrors and a pair of Civic Type-R side skirts accent the sides of the car. In the rear is a Mugen carbon fiber spoiler.
Playing off the "mini-Odyssey" jokes many EP3 owners have heard, Jimmy slammed his hatch to the ground with a set of Skunk2 coilovers. Sitting on a set of 15x7 SSR MKIIr wheels wrapped with none other than Falken’s Ziex rubber, the dark black finish of the wheels offset the rest of the shiny blue car. Buckling down the rest of the suspension is a DC Sports titanium front strut bar and ASpec rear upper strut bar.
Engine modifications weren’t all complete when we shot the car, but Jimmy has much more ahead of him. To start off an Injen cold air intake and a custom 2.25-inch exhaust was bolted onto the EP3. In the interior however, a pair of Recaro SRD seats and Sparco harnesses have already found their way in. A JDM Civic Type-R shift boot lines up to a HOP shift knob in the center console.
There’s no argument that Honda will continue to change the shapes of our beloved Hondas. The best we can do is love them and continue making killer sweet rides like Jimmy’s!