Subsequent to updating the regular Civic lineup, Honda has now done the same to the Civic Type R. Presented at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, the compact hot hatch gets a new larger grille that improves engine cooling and exclusive Boost Blue exterior color.
On the inside, users will find the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and new gear knob with shorter shift throws. An Active Sound Control fake engine noise has been added, alongside the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance features, which is standard on all trim levels. Reducing friction and improving the steering feel is the modified front suspension. The automaker has also updated the dampers for a smoother ride and enhanced the grip with stiffer rear bushings.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder carries over with no changes. It still kicks out 306 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, dispatched to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential. As before, you will get to choose between three driving modes that optimize the hardware for different scenarios. They are named Comfort, Sport and +R and can stiffen or loosen up the suspension, steering and throttle response.
The updated Civic Type R will launch before the end of the winter, with pricing to be announced in due course. The outgoing iteration has an MSRP of $36,300 and returns an EPA-estimated 22/28 mpg (10.7-8.4 l/100 km) in city/highway.
There’s no word yet on a possible hardcore variant of the car that could reclaim the Nurburgring lap record from the Renault Megane RS Trophy-R. The latter ran the course in 7:40.10 last May, 3.7 seconds faster than the Japanese hot hatchback.
