…as Honda revises Civic Type R
Hardcore and ‘more subtle’ versions join line-up
HONDA has bolstered the Civic Type R line-up for 2020, not just with a facelifted model, but with two brand-new variants.
Earlier in the year, an updated version of the Type R GT was revealed with tweaked styling, a retrimmed interior, revised suspension and damping, plus a new laptime logging function. This car is now joined by a more subtle variant, plus a stripped-back, lightweight, limited-edition special.
The yellow Civic above is the Type R Limited Edition. Only 100 are coming to Europe – 20 for the UK – and you can think of it as Honda’s answer to the Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R – the car that stole the Type R’s Nürburgring front-wheel-drive lap record.
Power and torque remain at 316bhp and 400Nm for the 2.0-litre turbo VTEC engine, but the air-conditioning, infotainment system and some sound deadening have been removed. Lighter, 20-inch BBS wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres are added, and overall the car is 47kg lighter than the standard Civic Type R GT. Its Sunlight Yellow paint is exclusive to this model, and is a nod to the likes of the first
Civic and Integra Type Rs.
If you’re not a fan of the Type R’s extrovert styling, a subtle Sport Line version (right) is now available. The most significant change is at the back, where the huge rear wing is swapped for a lip spoiler. The red strip around the lower edge of the bumpers and side sills is now finished in dark grey, which is matched by the 19-inch wheels. Inside, red seats are swapped out for black items, which feature contrasting red stitching.
Not only does it look more subtle, it’s also set to be more refined. Honda has added extra soundproofing under the boot and in the tailgate, while the carpets are thicker than in other versions. Plus Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres are fitted, which should result in a slightly more forgiving ride.
New Type R sales are expected to begin in the second half of 2020. Prices have to be confirmed, although the Type R, GT and Sport Line will be priced within reach of each other without a drastic change to the existing car’s basic price tag of £31,870. There’s no word yet on prices for the Limited Edition.
“Only 100 Type R Limited Editions are coming to Europe, with 20 of them earmarked for the UK”