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Two new Civic Type R variants for 2020
20th February 2020
Honda is expanding its Civic Type R range with the addition of two new variants, Limited Edition and Sport Line. Building on the dynamic performance capabilities of the standard Type R GT, the new models each offer a different style and performance proposition, further broadening the appeal of Honda's award-winning hatchback.
With the Civic Type R Limited Edition, Honda is unleashing the most extreme version of its renowned high-performance car. Built as the purest expression of Type R to date, the Limited Edition features new lightweight components, a stripped-back interior, enhanced driving dynamics and stand-out styling.
The second new addition to the Type R range is the Sport Line. Designed to appeal to a customer who seeks a subtler look from their performance hatchback, Sport Line features a low height rear spoiler, 19-inch alloys and an all-black interior, yet retains the outstanding performance that is a trademark of Type R models.
Developed with track performance as its core focus, the new Civic Type R Limited Edition has been designed and engineered to be the most dynamic front wheel drive hatchback available. With new lightweight components and a stripped-back, driver-focused interior, this is the most extreme version of the iconic Civic Type R ever made.
Just 100 will be built for Europe, featuring lightweight flow-formed 20“ forged BBS alloy wheels with Michelin Cup 2 tyres, which are designed for high-speed track driving but still deliver exceptional on-road performance. Modified dampers optimise this new wheel and tyre combination and recalibration of the EPAS offers maximum control and feedback.
To reflect its extrovert nature, an exclusive new colour, ‘Sunlight Yellow’, is introduced for the Civic Type R Limited Edition, along with a dark chrome Civic badge on the back. With the addition of contrasting gloss black paint on the roof, wing mirrors and intake vent on the bonnet, the bold colour scheme reflects Honda’s sporting heritage and ensures the Limited Edition stands out as a unique proposition in the performance hatchback segment.
The Civic Type R Limited Edition’s interior echoes Honda’s sporting bloodline: featuring the iconic red bucket seats and red Alcantara steering wheel complemented by the teardrop gear knob. Each model features a plaque marking the build number of the car.
Continuing its track-focused nature, the infotainment and air conditioning systems are omitted to save weight. Additional weight is saved by reducing sound-deadening materials in the roof, rear hatch panel, front bumper and dashboard. The Limited Edition Type-R is 47kg lighter than a Type R in GT specification. Unlike other brands’ track-focused performance hatchbacks, the Limited Edition retains its rear seats and the everyday usability for which the Civic is renowned.
The new Limited Edition model retains the Type R’s powerful 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine. Peak power output is 320PS at 6,500rpm and peak torque is 400Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. 0-62mph (100km/h) is achieved in 5.7 seconds.
Sales of the 100 Type R Limited Edition cars for Europe start in summer 2020 and prices will be announced closer to the launch.
Further expanding the Civic Type R line-up for 2020 is the understated Type R Sport Line, which retains the sporting pedigree and outstanding driving dynamics of the Civic Type R, but with more discreet styling and a more refined ride.
The Type R Sport Line’s most notable departure from the distinctive styling of the regular Civic Type R is a low-deck rear spoiler instead of the high-level wing, giving a subtler silhouette to the car. The Civic Type R Sport Line is also distinguished by a grey accent line which runs along the lower edge of the car.
The Civic Type R Sport Line delivers a more compliant and refined driving experience than its more extreme siblings. New exclusive dark grey 19-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sports 4S tyres with a softer sidewall that enhance on-road comfort, with noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) further improved by additional soundproofing materials in the boot and tailgate. The interior of the new Civic Type R Sport Line retains a performance-focused appeal with a more subtle ambience. Black bucket seats with red stitching are complemented by the new tear drop style gear knob and Alcantara steering wheel. The red stitching is continued throughout the interior, including door panels to reflect Honda’s sporting heritage.
As with the standard Civic Type R, the new Type R Sport Line is equipped with a range of comfort and safety features.The new variant also retains the seven-inch infotainment system, which incorporates DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Adding to the range of colour options, the 2020 Civic Type R GT and Type R Sport Line will be available in a bold new paint finish, Racing Blue.
Image shows Type R Limited Edition