SPY PICS: Honda Civic Type R facelift

Mystery surrounds the sighting of a unique Honda Civic Type R, which could be a new facelifted model - or possibly even a hybrid.

The Honda Civic Type R has been the hi-po hot hatch king for a few years now but as competition intensifies, the Japanese brand will need to cement its position to remain the alpha dog.

Seen here sporting plenty of camo and enough duct tape to suggest something potentially experimental (or last minute) is going on, the unidentified Civic Type R could be running an electrified powertrain.

That's what the spy photography crew, Automedia, assert.

It could also be a facelifted model given that the current Civic Type R (2017) and regular Civic (2016) are middle-aged.

However a closer look at the car in the spy photos shows a unique single-tip exhaust system, which suggests a new powertrain is hidden beneath its front-end body work. However the Honda Civic development car retains its bonnet scoop and what appears to be an intercooler, hinting that it's still running a turbocharged engine.

The Civic Type R's rear wing also appears to have been re-sculpted adding more intrigue to these spy photos.

The current Civic Type R is no slouch, pumping out 228kW and 400Nm of torque, which is channeled through a six-speed manual transmission.

If this vehicle was indeed running a hybrid system it could generate even more mumbo.

Speaking to Pistonheads in late 2019, Honda’s project lead for the all-electric Honda e (an EV that won't be sold in Australia due to its high cost) said the Civic Type R could easily go electric.

"We think it’d be quite easy to achieve Type R performance with a full EV right now, but Type R isn’t just about performance. It’s also about handling, operation, and driveability. We don’t think it’s as simple as replacing that [turbo engine] with electric power," he said.

While Hitomi confirmed nothing, he hinted that customers will come to accept hybrid performance cars in time.

"People complained when we said the Type R would use a turbocharger, but now they appreciate the new possibilities this has provided," he observed, stating his belief that the same will be true of electrified vehicles.

"We just need to find the best attributes that are relevant for the Type R, so as to enhance the experience without losing what makes a Type R," said Hitomi.

Honda has previously stated that it wants to offer hybrid powertrains in every model it sells here.

Of course, we have no way of ascertaining what this particular model is and Honda is keeping mum.

It could be another special edition 'R' car to keep interest ticking over for the Honda, particularly as vehicles like the new Ford Focus ST – which has more torque than the Civic Type R – and up-spec Renault Megane RS models continue to roll out in Australia.

With an all-new Golf GTI and Golf R headed to Australia from 2021, Honda must keep its guard up to remain competitive.

Honda was contacted but is yet to comment on the new Civic spy photos.

A mildly facelifted 2020 Honda Civic Type R will be coming to Australia 'later in 2020' according to previous statements made by the Japanese company. That model will get (very) minor interior and exterior upgrades along with upgraded braking and suspension systems.

Currently priced at $51,990, the Honda Civic Type R is one of the most expensive hot hatches on the market, but is also the fastest and most capable.

There is also a lightweight track-focussed Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition due to arrive Down Under in 2021.

Stay tuned for more details on the evolution of the Civic Type R going forward.