Since its debut, the Honda Civic Type R provides an excellent combination of potent dynamics and the usefulness in the every-day driving. Now, the new model is ready to amaze the automotive industry one more time. The 2020 Civic Type R will be available in the US Honda dealerships from Friday, February 28th. The starting price will be $36,995, without destination charges and taxes.
The 2020MY brings significant upgrades to ride, handling, engine cooling, and braking performance. Furthermore, the Civic Type R-exclusive datalogging app will be available as well. The upgraded Civic Type R delivers a refined exterior design and a standard suite of driver-assistive tech. Also, there’s a new color in the palette – Boost Blue.
2020 Civic Type R Improvements
Similar to the 2020 Civic Hatchback, the 2020 Civic Type R gets an updated front as well as the rear bumpers. Also, you’ll notice the additional body-colored accents to the bumper cutouts. Furthermore, the Type R will boast with a brand-new grille with a 13-percent larger opening.
Besides that, the updated radiator core provides better engine cooling. On top of that, the suspension is refined as well, to provide sharper handling and better responsiveness. For example, the Adaptive Damper System’s control software now estimates road conditions up to ten times faster. As a result, the damper reactions are improved, both for better handling and ride quality.
Moreover, the rear bushings for the lower B-arm are now stiffer and provide better toe-in characteristics during cornerings. At the front, the compliance bushings and a refined lower-friction ball joints result in sharper steering, and better overall control.
Interior Changes
As for the cabin 2020 Civic Type R adds fresh Alcantara-wrapped steering, new shifter lever with a redesigned knob, and a suede shift boot. You’ll probably notice that the new shift knob resembles the previous Type R version, especially the ’97 original.
Besides, as a part of the innovative design, there’s a 90g counterweight inside the knob, which will improve accuracy and shift feel. The 2020MY adds Active Sound Control, which enhances engine sound through the system speakers.
Brand-New LogR Datalogging Smartphone App
For the first time in any of Honda’s vehicles, we will see a performance datalogger, unique to the Type R version. The datalogger (aka Honda LogR) connects the onboard computer and sensors with a smartphone app.
So, the LogR allows the drivers to monitor and register a variety of performance parameters while driving on a racing track or similar closed course. Also, it is built to improve divers driving skills via the usage of a driving-smoothness algorithm.
Worth to mention is that the algorithm is developed with help from professional Honda drivers. Of course, this smartphone app will be available both for iPhone and Android users.
2020 Civic Type R Engine
The upgraded 2020 Civic Type R still uses a race-bred 2.0-liter direct-injected, turbocharged 4-cylinder mill with VTEC. The peak output is 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent to the front wheels, through a 6-speed manual gearbox, and a limited-slip differential. The Type R returns 22/28/25 mpg.
The driving modes stay the same as in the previous version, and there will be three to choose from – Comfort, Sport, and +R. Besides, the Type R’s selectable drive modes and elegant design make a match made in heaven on a mountain road, or a racetrack.
As we already mentioned in the first paragraph, the 2020 Civic Type R will be available from Friday, for a starting price of $36,995.