2020 Honda Civic Type R: UK prices confirmed for updated hot hatch

Further additions include lightweight, forged BBS 20in alloys shod in sticky Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres. Honda claims it has modified the dampers and recalibrated the steering to suit the new wheel and tyre combo and improve feedback. Exclusive Sunlight Yellow paint with a contrasting gloss black roof, door mirrors and intake vents aim to increase the Limited Edition’s visual clout, while each model gets a build plaque on the dash.

The two range additions complement the updated Type R, which was first revealed in January. Visual changes are minor and include reprofiled bumpers and lights, but again the focus is on engineering improvements; for example, a larger air intake opening combines with a new radiator core to decrease coolant temperature by up to 10deg in high-demand situations, Honda claims.

Similar thermal improvements have been achieved with a new braking system, bringing two-piece floating front discs that reduce unsprung weight by 2.5kg. Their increased thermal efficiency reduces brake fade, while there’s also 15mm less pedal travel. Uprated suspension bushings and ball joints are also claimed to sharpen the handling further, while the parameters of the adaptive dampers have been widened.

Interior additions, alongside a revised infotainment system with physical shortcut buttons, include an Alcantara steering wheel and a new teardrop-shaped gearknob. The knob itself includes a 90g counterweight that's said to improve shift accuracy.

Further new tech includes an Active Sound Control system, using the car’s speakers to enhance engine sound in Sport and R+ modes and mask it in Comfort mode. Also introduced is a new performance datalogger, dubbed LogR, which allows the driver to see real-time component temperatures and pressures and uses GPS and g-force meters to help drivers achieve the best possible lap time.

Q&A: Hideki Kakinuma, Civic Type R project leader

What were your priorities when updating the Civic Type R? 

"Usually at minor model change time the updates are just cosmetic. But once I was involved in Civic Type R development, I wanted to have a step forward in improving performance. If you stop developing and improving, the sports car will die. Also, since the Type R is a global model, we had to improve variation; some like it more extreme, some like it more understated. We want a maximum range of customers to enjoy the performance." 

Is the Sport Line model’s handling affected by the smaller wing? 

"We are not talking about real racing cars where you have tonnes of downforce and drag; if you compare the top speed of both cars (standard and Sport Line), they are more or less on the same level. The rear wing is not really that big of an influence; the Type R’s high-speed stability comes from the base platform layout and suspension specification. The functionality has been maintained for both wing designs." 

Will you take the Limited Edition back to the Nürburgring to see how much faster it is?

"The Nürburging lap time is one of our development criteria to be able to verify the actual result as an overall vehicle performance. This is something we are going to perform, regardless of whether it’s a record or not; it’s not our motivation."