Two New Honda Civic Type Rs Turn The Crazy Up – And Down

A lightweight, track-focused limited-edition Civic Type R joins a stealthier, more low-key version as Honda extends the overall range appeal at both ends
Two New Honda Civic Type Rs Turn The Crazy Up – And Down

Honda has revealed not one, but two new Civic Type Rs. Spoiling us rotten are a version that’s even more extreme than the car we already know and love, plus a softer and subtler option for those who want a bit more daily comfort in their 316bhp rocket-hatch.

Starting with the stunning Sunlight Yellow Type R Limited Edition, we can confirm just 100 will be built for the European market. The colour is unique to the variant. It’s not clear at this stage how many will be right-hand drive, but since the UK is a strong market for Type R we should get some in correct-hand drive.

Two New Honda Civic Type Rs Turn The Crazy Up – And Down

It weighs some 47kg less than the regular Type R GT thanks to a host of changes. Flow-formed 20-inch forged BBS alloy wheels look the absolute stuff and save a few kilos. Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres add to the track-biased edge while a complete re-tune of the dampers and power steering make the most of the lighter rims.

There’s no air-con or infotainment here. Your focus should be the racing line, and who gives a stuff about refinement on track? As such there’s less soundproofing in the roof, tailgate, front bumper and dashboard. Bizarrely, in the context of track-biased flab loss, Honda has elected to keep the rear seats in place. At least it really is a practical five-seater.

Two New Honda Civic Type Rs Turn The Crazy Up – And Down

Its engine is unchanged, so you still get an explosive-feeling 316bhp and 295lb ft. The 0-62mph launch is done in 5.7 seconds. We don’t have prices for the highly-limited car yet, but sales will begin in the summer.

All Civics have, happily, regained physical button controls for the air conditioning and infotainment. The switch back away from solely touch-screen interfaces will be sweet music to anyone who has ever tried to change the settings on a bumpy road. Also new is Active Sound Control, which boosts engine noise through fakery in the Type Rs’ Sport and +R modes; suppressing it with counter-frequencies in Comfort mode.

Two New Honda Civic Type Rs Turn The Crazy Up – And Down

The mid-range, normal Type R has a new suspension tune with updated compliance bushings and lower-friction ball joints. Honda says it feels stiffer and more direct on turn-in. Braking for the hot Japanese hatch is taken care of by new two-piece floating front brake discs and new pads. They save 2.5kg in total and help reduce pesky brake fade. The feel is sharper too, through a pedal that has 15mm less travel. Another sweet detail is a 90g internal counterweight in the gear knob that apparently improves shift feel and accuracy. The colour you see here is Racing Blue; new for 2020 and yours on either the Type R GT or its new, softer sibling.

A Type R without a huge rear wing!
A Type R without a huge rear wing!

Speaking of which, it’s called the Civic Type R Sport Line. It’s built for those who want the brilliant engine and dynamic attitude of the Type R GT but swapping some of the lairy styling for extra soundproofing and an easier ride. Michelin’s Pilot Sport 4S tyres replace the usual fare, and with softer sidewalls offer a more compliant edge to proceedings. There’s extra sound-deadening material in the tailgate and boot area, enhancing refinement.

The usual red seats are swapped for restrained black ones, although they’re still buckets. There’s red stitching to remind you you’re in something potent, there’s a new teardrop-shaped gear knob and this model naturally gets the seven-inch infotainment system that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Comments

Anonymous

If you could afford a Type R, which color would you take your Yaris GR?

02/20/2020 - 01:39 |
52 | 4
Mr.Roberts

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

On a backroad i’d definately take a Type R in order to get to the Toyota dealership to trade it in for a Yaris GR

02/20/2020 - 03:12 |
30 | 4
Olivier (CT's grammar commie)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

I’d still get the Type R lol

02/20/2020 - 12:42 |
6 | 0
Anonymous

Forgot how incredibly ugly the rear of the Civic was. The wing really takes the attention off it

02/20/2020 - 05:53 |
2 | 2
5:19.55

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Somehow looks like a Prius with a body kit

02/20/2020 - 08:19 |
8 | 2
EJ22 (A&P Performance co-owner)

As empty Evos and STIs look without the wings, Sport line Type R just looks naked

02/20/2020 - 07:06 |
12 | 2
Anonymous

A yellow Type R just looks right.

02/20/2020 - 09:00 |
24 | 0
Anonymous

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

yesssss almost like a dc2 integra!!!

02/20/2020 - 23:05 |
4 | 0
That_1_Guy

Unpopular opinion: the type r look good.

02/20/2020 - 11:12 |
32 | 0
Anonymous

Q: How to make a car popular & get loved?
A: Don’t give it to Americans.

02/20/2020 - 16:59 |
2 | 8
Kenji (Oldsmobile Fan) (GoldWing Enthusiast) (wheel nut)

imagine getting the new civic Type-R in your country. cant relate

02/20/2020 - 17:12 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

cOrReCt-HaNd dRiVe

02/20/2020 - 17:20 |
0 | 4
Anonymous

fuскing british

02/20/2020 - 17:21 |
0 | 4
nicholas 1

Still not sure worth the uograde (not money wise) my fk2 final black edition. Just something missing in the outside looks.

02/22/2020 - 09:57 |
0 | 0