Honda Civic Type R 2020: twice the sports car

Antonio Roncero @roncero_antonio 20 February 2020 4 min.

Honda Civic Type R 2020: twice the sports car

The new Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition becomes the most exclusive Type R, while the R Sport version adopts a more understated exterior look. The entire range includes changes to improve performance.

Honda doubles the appeal of its most radical compact, and one of the benchmarks among sports cars in this category, the new Honda Civic Type R 2020. Now, the Japanese brand offers a new Sport Line variant with a more understated exterior design. In addition, a limited edition of 100 units for Europe, the Type R Limited Edition, will be manufactured.

Improvements across the Type R 2020 range

The new Type R range, including the current GT, receives a series of styling changes affecting the design of the front bumper and the lighting units, to “soften” its aggressive design. At the same time, the air intake has been enlarged and cooling improved with a finer mesh grille. According to Honda, this improvement reduces coolant temperature by up to 10 degrees in extreme track driving.

The suspension is updated with new hydraulic bushings and low-friction ball joints, stiffer rear bushings for the lower wishbones and a new software for the adaptive damping control system.

There are also changes to the brakes, now with new two-piece floating front discs that reduce unsprung weight on the front axle by up to 2.5 kg, new pads and a pedal with 15 mm less travel.

Inside, separate controls for the multimedia system and climate control are added, along with a new steering wheel upholstered in Alcantara. Another novelty is the active sound control system, which uses the audio system speakers to amplify engine sound in the sportiest driving modes.

Finally, an interesting additional novelty is the Honda LogR data logging system. It uses on-board computer data, via a smartphone app, to help drivers analyse the car’s performance parameters and monitor their driving.

The price for the Honda Civic Type R 2020 in GT trim starts from 45,800 euros.

Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition: for the track

Price still to be confirmed, in summer 2020 the 100 units that Honda will build of the Type R Limited Edition for the European market will go on sale.
This version, clearly track-oriented, differs with its 20-inch forged BBS alloy wheels, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. The steering and damper calibration are also revised.

Exteriorly it stands out with an exclusive yellow body colour, with contrasting black paint on the roof, the mirrors and the bonnet air outlet. Inside, it includes sports seats and a red Alcantara steering wheel. To reduce weight, this version dispenses with the multimedia system and climate control, as well as the roof, door panel and dashboard soundproofing, saving 47 kg.

What does not change is the engine: under the bonnet, the 2.0 VTEC Turbo four-cylinder still delivers 320 CV at 6,500 rpm, and 400 Nm of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm.

Honda Civic Type R Sport Line: more “civilised”

Without giving up performance or first-class dynamic behaviour, the Sport Line version of the new Honda Civic Type R is aimed at those who do not want to attract so much attention when using their car every day.

The main difference is a much more understated rear spoiler. The available colours are also more discreet, with a new blue shade.

The wheels in this case are 19-inch, dark grey, and fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, which are less radical than the Pilot Sport Cup 2. Here, special care is taken with everything related to sound insulation and comfort, without dispensing with soundproofing material or the infotainment system.

The price of the Civic Type R Sport Line starts from 45,300 euros.