Facelifted Honda Civic Type R – The best got better, or did it?

With the Civic type R celebrating its second year, Honda is already doing a facelift. Maybe a bit early since the Type R in my opinion takes home the price as the best hot hatch right now, and since the competition hasn’t updated their respective versions apart from the new Renault Megane RS, I don’t see the need for a refresh.

What initially seemed like extremely minor tweaks, only a special color was actually hinted in the first press release from Honda, have been revealed to be improvements such as aero tweaks, suspension- and break upgrades.

Apparently, the front grille opening has been increased. Looking at the pictures of the Type R I reviewed in 2018, I can tell you that it is almost impossible to spot if you are looking at pictures. However, some wings have been added to the front and rear lower parts. Hey, at least it’s something. It does mean that the car looks as crazy as it should. Honda speaks of aerodynamic changes, which have not been mentioned.

The engine remains unchanged. Turbo four cylinder with 306 hp and VTEC. Actually, because the engine is so rev hungry. The sound from the exhaust is one of the best in the hot hatch market. Especially when the turbo kicks in. Honda did apparently not think it was enough, and have implemented active sound enhancement into the interior. Not fond of it at all. I think people and reviewers have complained about the smoothness of exhaust sound. It might not be as exiting to watch on youtube as others, but when you actually drive it. Woah.

The suspension has been tweaked with updated dampers, stiffer rear bushings and modifications to the front suspension. The brakes are now two-piece with upgraded pads. This might not seem like a lot, but I give Honda props for actually changing these minute details that could actually improve the car, instead of just slapping on a new infotainment screen, add 10 horsepower, give it a new color to choose from, and call it a day. Btw, there is a new color called Boost Blue.

Interior has gotten some minor tweaks as well. The steering wheel is now wrapped in alcantara, a new gear shifting knob (there are no pictures so I can’t actually speak about it, but the old version was in metal and became really hot during a summer day) and even shorter shifting throws. The shorter throws seem impossible since the 2018 model already had unbelievably short throws.

No price has been announced. But with the old model costing €40 000, the refreshed one could cost around the same.