The Honda Civic Type R 2020 will have two new variants

The limited edition specification achieves a weight reduction and a track-focused setup, while the new Sport Line specification offers a more subtle look and more refinement

Honda has used the mid-life update of its hatchback Civic Type R to introduce two new variants: a lighter, low-volume track special, and a more subtle version of the existing car.

Available to order in the summer alongside the standard Type R 2020, the new Sport Line variant is designed to offer “a more understated style and more refined driving” for those who feel the existing model is too heavy. The most significant external change is the removal of the large rear wing in favour of a subtler, lower element, but there is also a unique design of 19-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres with softer sidewalls.

The interior also reduces the visual drama, thanks to black seat upholstery with red stitching. However, these are not just cosmetic changes: along with the new tyres, additional sound insulation has been added to the boot and tailgate to reduce levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The new Honda Civic Type R comes in two versions

At the other end of the range sits the new limited edition Civic Type R. As the name suggests, Europe will receive just 100 units, with an allocation of 20 for the UK. Honda claims it has been “designed and built to be the most dynamic front-wheel-drive hatchback available”, and it is the most extreme Civic Type R to date.

The key to the Limited Edition’s appeal is a weight-saving regime, with Honda removing the air conditioning, touchscreen and some sound equipment to save 47 kg. However, unlike the Renault Megane RS Trophy R, it retains its rear seats.

Other additions include lightweight, forged BBS 20-inch alloy wheels fitted with soft Michelin Cup 2 tyres. Honda says it has modified the dampers and recalibrated the steering to suit the new wheel and tyre combination, as well as to increase feedback levels. The exclusive Sunlight Yellow paint with a contrasting gloss black roof, door mirrors and intake vents are intended to heighten the Limited Edition’s visual impact, while each model gets a build plaque on the dashboard.

The two additions to the range complement the updated Type R, which was first revealed in January. The visual changes are minor and include revised bumpers and lights, but once again the focus is on engineering improvements; for example, a larger air intake opening is combined with a new radiator core to lower coolant temperature by up to 10 degrees in high-demand situations, Honda claims.

Similar thermal improvements have been achieved with a new braking system, which brings floating front discs made of two pieces that reduce unsprung weight by 2.5 kg. Their greater thermal efficiency reduces brake fade, while there is also 15 mm less pedal travel. The upgraded suspension bushes and ball joints are also said to sharpen handling further, while the adaptive damper settings have been expanded.

The interior additions, along with a revised infotainment system featuring physical shortcut buttons, include a steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara and a new teardrop-shaped gear knob. The knob itself includes a 90 g counterweight which is said to improve shift precision.

The new technology additions include an Active Sound Control system, which uses the car’s speakers to enhance engine sound in Sport and R+ modes and mask it in Comfort mode. A new performance data logger, called LogR, is also introduced, allowing the driver to view component temperatures and pressures in real time, and uses GPS and G-force meters to help drivers achieve the best possible lap time.

Hideki Kakinuma, project leader for the Civic Type R, has said that “normally, at a minor model change moment, the updates are just cosmetic. But once I got involved in the development of the Civic Type R, I wanted to take a step forward to improve performance. If it stops developing and improving, the sports car will die. Also, since the Type R is a global model, we had to improve the variation: some like it more extreme, others like it more subtle. We want the widest possible range of customers to enjoy the performance.”

“We are not talking about real racing cars where you have tonnes of aerodynamic downforce and grip: if you compare the top speed of both cars (standard and Sport Line), they are more or less at the same level. The rear wing is not really a major influence: the Type R’s high-speed stability comes from the base platform design and suspension specification. Functionality has been maintained for both wing designs.”

“The Nürburgring lap time is one of our development criteria, to verify the real result as an overall vehicle performance. This is something we will carry out regardless of whether it is a special edition or not; it is not our motivation.”

“There are no technological restrictions on the Type R: if it can deliver the excitement, dynamic performance and all the fundamental basics that make it worth calling a Type R, then it doesn’t matter whether that is achieved with an electric or hybrid motor. But we also cannot forget the original idea and fundamental concept of the Type R, which is a sports car with extremely high performance at an affordable price. There are no restrictions if that can be realised.”

“We don’t believe we have reached the limit. I think there is still performance to be gained from front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive doesn’t really match the development principle of Honda: ‘Maximum man, minimum machine’. We don’t want to increase engine power, or make the car heavier by applying all-wheel drive. Our idea is always to maximise the driver’s freedom.” The Type R badge “can be applied to other models too. It doesn’t have to be limited to the Civic.”

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackHonda Civic3 versions · from 36,300 €