US-outfit Bisimoto Engineering has taken the USDM Honda Odyssey MPV and turned it into something nobody asked for but everyone secretly wanted; a minivan powered by the 2025 Honda Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged K20C1 engine and six-speed manual gearbox.
In Australian-market trim, the Civic Type R produces 235kW and 420Nm, sending power to the front wheels through a close-ratio six-speed manual with rev-matching. The hatch clocks 0–100 km/h in around 5.4 seconds and reaches a claimed top speed of 275km/h. It retails locally from roughly $74,100 before on-roads, or just under $80 grand drive-away (at the time of writing).
The donor Odyssey used for Bisimoto’s one-off build is a US-spec front-drive model weighing about 2050kg. Assuming the K20C1 is running in standard tune (exhaust notwithstanding), that gives the van roughly 115kW per tonne — enough to cut the 0–100 km/h dash to the high-7s or low-8s, depending on gearing and traction.
It’s a long way off the Civic Type R’s pace, but would be quick for a three-row people-mover with sliding doors. The V6 Kia Carnival S managed 8.54 seconds in our 2023 test and was a tonne of fun.
Beyond the engine swap, the van features Type R wheels, uprated brakes and suspension, and mild exterior tweaks to keep it understated. Bisimoto hasn’t quoted performance figures, but the conversion looks factory neat. The triple exhaust tips and dash-mounted gear lever are delicious touches, as are the red ‘H’ badges and rocker cover.
In a world obsessed with SUVs and EVs, a turbocharged manual minivan makes us giddy with laughter – even if it’s just a one-off.
The car will be shown at the 2025 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) event in Las Vegas, which is open from today until Sunday.
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