Honda has introduced a mid-life update its Civic Type R, with upgrades to ride and handling, braking performance and engine cooling. Additionally, there are exterior and interior design changes.
The suspension has been upgraded for more responsive and sharper handling. The control software for the Adaptive Damper System now evaluates road conditions ten times faster (2Hz to 20Hz), resulting in improved damper reactions for better handling response and ride quality.
At the front, updated compliance bushings (10 per cent stiffer longitudinally) and new lower-friction ball joints result in sharper steering feel. The rear bushings for the lower B-arm have been stiffened for an eight per cent improvement in lateral loads, resulting in better toe-in characteristics when cornering.
For improved braking performance the system has new two-piece floating front brake discs and new brake pads with a more fade-resistant pad material.
Under heavy loads, the brake stroke has been reduced by up to 15mm (approximately 17 per cent), which results in the brake pedal delivering a more immediate feel. This new front brake system reduces total unsprung weight by around 2.3kg.
Engine cooling performance is added to by a larger grille and thinner grille beam, which results in a 13 per cent larger air intake opening. Combined with an updated radiator core, this decreases coolant temperature by up to 10 degrees (under Honda internal testing) in high-demand situations, such as during track driving.
Styling changes see a lower foglight surrounds incorporating smooth surfaces and sleek styling blades.
A bold new paint colour, Racing Blue, joins Rally Red, Crystal Black and the iconic Championship White, which have all been carried over from the existing colour range.
Inside, the Civic Type R has a new Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, a gear shift lever with restyled knob and Alcantara finish for the shifter boot.
A revised seven-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen has hard key for the most commonly used functions. There’s also a dedicated volume control knob.
Also new for the updated Civic Type R is Active Sound Control that enhances the engine sound during aggressive driving in Sport and +R modes.
Honda Type R features three main functions: Performance Monitor, Log Mode and an Auto Score Mode.
Performance Monitor provides vehicle information to the driver on the Display Audio screen while the app is functioning.
Log Mode records lap times on the track. Auto Score works by monitoring braking, acceleration, steering and straightline driving, and generating a score based on the smoothness algorithm.
Honda Civic Type R retains the powerful 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine, which produces 228 kW of power at 6500 rpm and 400 Nm peak torque from 2500 to 4500 rpm. It drives through a close-ratio six-speed manual that does rev-matching for you.
The new Honda Civic Type R has a Manufacturer’s List Price of $54,990.
