Honda reveals updated Civic Type R

Honda has revealed an updated version of its Civic Type R hot hatch for 2020, with styling tweaks and enhanced technology.

The Type R’s updates mirror those rolled out for the standard Civic in November, chief among which is a revised front end with a larger grille for improved engine cooling. The addition of a model-exclusive Boost Blue paint option further sets the facelifted Type R apart from the outgoing model. 

There are changes underneath as well, with the Type R’s suspension being retuned for enhanced ride comfort, reduced friction, and improved steering feedback. The Type R's stiffer rear bushings that are said to bring better grip in corners. 

Stopping power has also been improved, with the 2020 model gaining two-piece brake discs and brake pads designed to reduce fade and perform better at high speeds. 

Inside, the steering wheel gets a new Alcantara trim, while a restyled gear lever offers shorter shifts than in the current car. Honda’s new ‘Sensing’ driver assistance package is offered as standard, and has features like lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

The Type R retains its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine making the same power and torque output at 320hp and 400Nm. As before, power is sent to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential. 

Three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and R+ – are still available, with a new Active Sound Control function that adjusts the engine volume in the cabin as per the driver’s choice.

The refreshed Honda Civic Type R will make its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon, where the carmaker will also reveal a new Indy Yellow Pearl II paint option – first available on the S2000 convertible – for its NSX supercar.

While the Type R version is not on sale in India, the standard Civic sedan is available with the option of a 141hp, 1.8-litre petrol and a 120hp, 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine.