Honda has improved the Type R

No, it’s not toning down the looks. The Civic Type R is just as rowdy and divisive as when it launched in 2017. Instead, Honda is saving the different face for the eleventh-generation, reportedly due early next year.

For now, Honda has taken to mechanically refining the current model, which is sort of strange since the Type R has never been criticised for poor driving. It’s one of the sharpest cars you can buy right now but Honda engineers have figured out how to improve it.

The changes include a newlook lightweight gear knob inspired by the one in the EK9 Civic Type R, a new touchscreen, new climate control buttons, a larger grille to improve cooling in high demand situations, more reactive active dampers, tweaked bushings and new twopiece front brake rotors.

There are some visual changes, like body-colour accent blades and a new Boost Blue Pearl paint option.

Additionally, Honda has (finally) addressed the issue of noise. Unfortunately, it isn’t by way of a new, louder exhaust to do those sexy triple outlets proud. Instead, it’s something called ‘‘ASC’’ which stands for Active Sound Control. ASC is basically Honda’s form of synthetic engine noise piped in through the speakers.

Honda has also included a new performance data logger, called Honda LogR, exclusive to the Type R. It combines the Type R’s on board computer and sensors with a smartphone app to help drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters when driving on the track or other closed courses. It’s also designed to help improve their driving skills through the use of a driving-smoothness algorithm developed with the help of professional Honda drivers.

LogR features three main functions:

The Performance Monitor provides vehicle information to the driver on the Display Audio screen while the app is functioning. Log Mode records lap times on the track, allowing drivers to improve their driving skills. The Auto Score function encourages smooth driving by monitoring braking, acceleration and steering, and generating a score based on the smoothness algorithm.

There’s no extra power, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing the same 228kW/ 400Nm as before, but the improvements to the steering and chassis alone should improve the driveability of the Transformer hot-hatch.

Price has increased a tad as a result of the changes though, the Type R now retailing for $62,990.

The triple-outlet exhaust remains but sound is improved via synthetic speaker noise. R is just as much of a Transformer as it always was. It’s just faster now.