We love Honda’s Civic Type R. We don’t get many front-drive hot hatches here in the U.S., but with the Type R we get one of the best in the world, a thrilling pocket rocket with one of the most accomplished front-drive chassis in the business. Honda has updated the Civic Type R for the 2020 model year with a host of detail changes designed to make it not only even more fun to drive but also easier to live with. And the good news is that at $37,950, only $695 more than the previous model, it’s still a bargain state-of-the-art performance car. In addition to hardware upgrades, the 2020 Civic Type R, which arrives in U.S. Honda dealerships later this month, also debuts a startling new color, Boost Blue, and an app-based data-logging system, Honda LogR, to help drivers keep track of their own performance behind the wheel. Let’s take a closer look at some of the highlights.
Improved Cooling and Revised Aerodynamics
The 2020 Civic Type R’s redesigned front bumper and grille isn’t just for show. The grille opening is 13 percent larger and feeds an enlarged radiator core. The result, says Type R engineering chief Hideki Kakinuma, is a reduction in coolant temperatures of up to 18 degrees in extreme conditions such as track sessions. The larger grille opening was found to have subtly altered the aerodynamic balance of the car, reducing downforce on the front axle, so to compensate Honda engineers redesigned the front spoiler, making it deeper on the left and right sides with new ribbed sections to deflect air back onto the spoiler.
Sharper and More Responsive Handling
The software controlling the Civic Type R’s adaptive damping system has been revised, allowing the system to evaluate road conditions and vehicle behavior 10 times quicker than before. Honda uses the adaptive damping system to provide pitch control and diagonal roll control on corner entry, to stabilize roll movement mid-corner, and to control pitch on corner exit, all of which helps give the Type R its trademark balance and stability. In addition, the rear suspension’s lower bushings have been stiffened to give better toe-in characteristics while cornering, and the front compliance bushings have been stiffened by about 10 percent across the longitudinal axis and low-friction ball joints fitted to sharpen steering feel and response.
New Front Brakes Improve Feel and Performance
Two-piece front brake rotors have been fitted to the 2020 Civic Type R, replacing the single-piece units used on the previous model. In addition, new brake pads offer more fade resistance. Honda claims the new setup reduces pedal movement by 17 percent before the brakes engage, and reduces unsprung weight by 2.5 pounds per wheel.
