Honda introduces 2020 Civic Type R facelift

Leading Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda has revealed a facelift version of Civic Type R hatchback at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon. The new version sports a number of upgrades, particularly the revised front which has a larger grille for improved cooling. That aside, the facelift version also has the Boost Blue model-exclusive color scheme, which sets the car apart from its existing model.

Kimiyoshi Teratani, Honda’s chief director of Japanese operations, has claimed that the new engine cooling mechanism will improve the car’s performance.

A close look at the car’s front has revealed that the air inlet on the car’s right side has been repositioned, while the left remains blank. 

The steering wheel of Civic Type R hatchback’s upgraded version is newly trimmed in Alcantara. The gear lever has been restyled which now offers a shorter shift compared to the outgoing model. The Honda Sensing driver assistance system now comes as part of standard equipment. It assists in automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic signal recognition, and lane-keeping assistance.

The Civic Type R facelift retains the turbocharged, 4-cylinder K20C 2.0 litre VTEC engine from the current version. The motor produces 320 PS maximum power at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm peak torque between 2,500-4,000 rpm. Honda claims that the improved air system will enable the car to unleash more power. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gear system with limited-slip differential.

The upgraded Civic Type R comes with the Comfort, Sport and R+ driving modes with varying engine firmness, and steering and throttle response. The car’s Active Sound Control can adjust the engine’s volume in the cabin according to the driver’s choice. The company claims that the stiffer rear bushings will provide a better grip while negotiating corners and sharp turns. The Honda Type R facelift version’s braking system has also been improved. It has new, two-piece discs and brake pads to reduce fade while performing better at higher speeds.

Honda is also offering customization options for the new Civic Type R that include a wireless phone charger and cargo organizers. While the company has not revealed the price of the facelift version, sources suggest that it will be pegged around $38,000. Deliveries in Japan are expected to begin around June.

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