The Honda Civic Type R gets a makeover: a more modern look and a fresh tuning for the last samurai

It was in 2017 that Honda revolutionised the compact segment with the tenth generation of its favourite child, the Civic. Three years ago it left behind its usual appearance to venture into no man’s land, with a larger body and dynamic behaviour that was far from that of a conventional compact. But the formula could still be improved. The Type R badge was tasked with accentuating each and every trait of the Civic to make it unbeatable on any terrain, and now it is updated to stand up to one of its worst enemies: the passing of time.

The Japanese brand wanted to modernise the most radical version of the Civic so that it can withstand the merciless lash of the years and keep causing trouble until the eleventh generation hits the market. With this premise, Honda has decided to apply subtle changes capable of showing an even more aggressive and modern Type-R.

Its habitual, striking styling remains intact, with an exuberant rear spoiler, a triple exhaust outlet and numerous air vents that reveal unprecedented aerodynamic work by Honda’s engineers. Now, small canards sit on both the front and the rear in an effort to further cement its undeniable identity as a sporty compact.

This update has also been used to slightly revise the interior of the Honda Civic Type-R, which now features a steering wheel wrapped entirely in Alcantara and a new gear-lever knob. To make this package of novelties even more tempting, the Japanese brand promises that the shift travel of the six-speed gearbox is even shorter and more precise, which will make the sportiness even more fitting.

The suspension, now adaptive, will also be improved, as will the braking system, which aims to be even more ferocious in bringing this feared sporty compact to a stop. What remains unchanged is the mechanical side, still featuring the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder capable of producing 320 CV and 400 Nm of torque.

Honda did not want to take too many risks when updating its pampered child, but why change something that is good? Either way, the tenth generation of the Civic will soon start to make its final appearances on the market, so we should start preparing ourselves and getting used to the idea that we could meet its successor sooner rather than later.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackHonda Civic3 versions · from 36,300 €