Price hike for 2020 Honda Civic Type R

The upgraded 2020 Honda Civic Type R will be significantly more expensive when it arrives in Australia in October.

Launched in Japan back in January, the mid-life update for the 2020 Honda Civic Type R will bring several new features including the adoption of a data-logging system for racetrack work.

But the 2020 Honda Civic Type R will also be priced at $54,990 plus on-rod costs, representing a price increase of $3000 over the current model.

Major changes to Honda’s hard-core turbo hot hatch include upgraded brake pads and two-piece floating front brake rotors, which are claimed to reduce unsprung weight by 2.3kg.

Several suspension tweaks have also been added to keep the Honda hottie fresh with rivals like the Ford Focus ST and Mercedes-AMG A 35 on the prowl.

The software that controls the Civic Type R’s adaptive dampers makes the system more responsive and delivers “better handling response and ride quality”, says Honda.

Honda Civic Type R review

Stiffer front suspension compliance bushings and rear suspension lower B-arm bushings are claimed to improve the Civic Type R’s cornering dynamics, while new lower-friction ball joints at the front are designed to sharpen up the steering.

There are no mechanical changes to the arresting 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which cranks out a very healthy 228kW/400Nm.

However, the Honda Civic Type R’s incendiary four-cylinder powerplant benefits from improved cooling performance via a redesigned front grille that's now 13 per cent larger, and an upgraded radiator core that works more efficiently “…in high-demand situations, such as during track driving,” says Honda.

Honda has also added Active Sound Control (ASC), which increases in-cabin engine noise via synthesised sounds piped through the speakers. The engine acoustics become more prominent in Sport and +R driving modes.

Changes to the underside of the front bumper, which gets ribbed elements, are said to improve downforce slightly over the front-end.

The manual-only 2020 Honda Civic Type R also gets updated fog light nacelles and a new colour, Racing Blue, which joins Rally Red, Crystal Black and Championship White.

Changes to the cabin of the stove-hot Civic include a new Alcantara-covered steering wheel and gearshifter, which has a teardrop-style shape and also gets an internal counterweight (90g) designed to enhance shift feel and accuracy.

Upgrades to the infotainment system include an updated 7.0-inch touch-screen display and the Honda LogR data-logging system, which has three main modes: a performance monitor and log mode for racetrack driving analysis, and an auto score ‘gamification’ mode that “encourages smooth day-to-day driving” by awarding points for smooth driving.

The revised 2020 Honda Civic Type R hot hatch will be available to purchase in Aussie showrooms from October 1, 2020.

In addition, Honda Australia will next year offer less than 100 versions of the Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition, which will be lighter, faster and gripper thanks to several further upgrades including track-ready Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

How much does the 2020 Honda Civic Type R cost?
$54,990 plus on-road costs