Refreshed Honda Civic Type R unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon

The 2020 Honda Civic Type R has made its world debut at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The new model year brings a number of changes and improvements to the Type R's winning formula, including revised styling, improved aerodynamic performance, and the addition of standard Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technology.

The new 2020 Civic Type R incorporates numerous changes to improve its driving dynamics, including new two-piece brake rotors and new brake pads designed to reduce fade and improve high-speed braking efficiency.

Suspension revisions for 2020 include updated dampers for better ride comfort, stiffer rear bushings for better grip, and modifications to the front suspension to reduce friction and improve steering feel. Exterior design enhancements will also include a new larger front grille opening for improved engine cooling. The 2020 model will be available in a new Type R-exclusive Boost Blue paint colour.

Drivers can also expect added refinement with a new Alcantara wrapped steering wheel and shifter with a restyled knob and shorter shift throws.

Under the hood, the 2020 Civic Type R continues to draw power from a race-bred 2.0-litre direct-injected and turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control valvetrain putting out a peak output of 306bhp and 400Nm of torque, with power to the front wheels delivered through a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

As before, drivers can choose between three driving modes - Comfort, Sport and +R - that vary suspension firmness, steering and throttle response. Also new for 2020 is Active Sound Control, which modifies interior sound in concert the with chosen drive mode. The Type R's selectable drive modes and sophisticated design make it both a thrilling companion on a mountain road or a racetrack and a remarkably civilised daily driver with a degree of flexibility unmatched in its competitive set.