2020 facelift for Civic Type R 04 | 03 | 2020

THIS IS THE latest incarnation of the Honda Civic Type R. But you’ve got to look really closely to spot the external changes. Prices have still to be confirmed, but it’s unlikely to vary drastically from its current £31,870.

The front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, plus there are colour-coded “styling blades” which sweep through the mock grilles on the bumpers’ outer edges. perhaps the most noticeable changes are the more neatly integrated fog lights, which definitely tidy up the overall look at the front.

There are also now larger intakes. These are not just aesthetic; instead 13% increase in area allows more air in to cool the radiator behind. And I’m sure, like me, you’ll love the new Racing Blue exterior paintwork.

Inside the cabin the steering wheel is now trimmed in Alcantara, and the round gear knob has been replaced with a teardrop design; this, we’re told, has been been inspired by that of the original Integra Type R.

Under the bonnet, the good news is nothing’s changed. Squeezed is is still the 2.0-litre turbocharged unit which sends its 316bhp and 400Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Honda has though introduced a new sound augmentation system which pipes engine noise into the cabin through the speakers.

Honda also believes the latest Type R will be sharper to drive, thanks to new front steering bushings and lower-friction ball joints which are aimed at improving steering response. The rear lower-arm bushings are 8% stiffer, allowing a more stable response under heavy cornering loads. The update has also tweaked the adaptive damper software to better control pitch and roll when braking and turning through a corner.

Sales of the revised Civic Type R are expected to begin in the second half of 2020.

Related: Honda CR-V Hybrid

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Jim McGill