2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition revealed

Honda has taken the covers off a new ‘pure’ version of its Civic Type R hot hatch: the Civic Type R Limited Edition.

Due to go on sale in Australia in the first half of 2021, the Limited Edition is set to be restricted to fewer than 100 vehicles nationally, each offering greater emphasis on light-weighting and performance.

“Built as the purest expression of Type R to-date, the Limited Edition features new lightweight components, enhanced driving dynamics and stand-out styling,” Honda said in a press release.

The newcomer has emerged after Honda announced revisions to the regular Type R earlier this year. Those changes were headlined by new two-piece brake rotors and upgraded pads for improved performance, along with reworked dampers designed to improve ride comfort.

The Type R Limited Edition differentiates itself with the installation of lightweight 20-inch BBS wheels shod with track-spec Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber. It also employs recalibrated adaptive dampers and steering tunes.

The Limited Edition sheds weight courtesy of deleted sound deadening in the roof, rear hatch panel, front bumper and dashboard. However, Honda doesn’t clarify how much lighter the special model is over its 1393kg donor.

Fire power remains unchanged on the Type R Limited Edition, meaning a 228kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder that drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual and limited-slip differential.

Unlike track-minded models from rivals at Renault – the Megane Trophy R being an example – Honda says the Limited Edition “retains its rear seats and the everyday usability for which the Civic is renowned”.

The performance enhancements are rounded out, naturally, by slick new red bucket seats and red-accented Alcantara trim on the steering wheel. There’s also a new teardrop-style gear knob, plus a plaque designating each car’s build number.

Similar sporty touches transcend the exterior: a new Sunlight Yellow hue and gloss black contrasts on the roof, wing mirrors and bonnet intake vent.

Along with advertising its sportier pretensions, the Civic Type R allows you to keep tabs on them via new data logger software known as LogR. The technology uses the Type R’s on-board computer to display g-force, lap times, throttle, brake and smoothness via the centre screen or via a smartphone app.

Honda hasn’t released pricing for the Type R Limited Edition at this point. The regular Honda Civic Type R is priced at $51,990 plus on-road costs.