Two new, polar-opposite trims of Honda Civic Type R unleashed

MANILA: Honda just launched two Civic Type R trims. An entry-level unit for those just getting into the model and another for those who seek its purest expression.

The Civic Type R Sport Line is the more understated of the two. It has a low-deck rear spoiler instead of the high-level one found on the original version. It also sports a grey accent line running along the lower edge of the vehicle.

Sitting on grey 19-inch alloy wheels, it uses Michelin Pilot Sports 4S tires that come with a softer sidewall for enhanced on-road comfort.

It uses black bucket seats with red stitching, complemented by a new teardrop-style gear knob and Alcantara steering wheel. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are reduced using soundproofing materials in the boot and tailgate.

The other trim is the Civic Type R Limited Edition, which Honda calls the "most extreme version" of its renowned high-performance car.

It uses new lightweight components, a stripped-back interior, lightweight flow-formed 20-inch forged BBS alloy wheels with Michelin Cup 2 tires, which are designed for high-speed track driving but still deliver exceptional on-road performance. Modified dampers optimize this new wheel and tire combination and recalibration of the EPAS offers maximum control and feedback.

Inside, it has red bucket seats and red Alcantara steering wheel complemented by a teardrop gear knob. Each model features a plaque marking the build number of the car.

Owing to its track-focused nature, the infotainment and air conditioning systems are omitted to save weight. Additional weight is saved by reducing sound-deadening materials in the roof, rear hatch panel, front bumper, and dashboard. The Limited Edition Type-R is 47 kg lighter than a Type R in GT specification.

The second new addition to the Type R range is the Sport Line. Designed to appeal to a customer who seeks a subtler look from his or her performance hatchback, the Sport Line features a low rear spoiler, 19-inch alloys, and an all-black interior, yet retains the outstanding performance that is a trademark of Type R models.

These new features and enhancements build on existing ones on the 2020 Civic Type R range. These include a revised front bumper, new symmetrical design fog lamps, redesigned full-LED headlight clusters and daytime running lights, a new larger air intake, and thinner grille beam which delivers a 13 percent larger opening and an updated radiator core that delivers a decrease in coolant temperature of up to 10 degrees (as per Honda internal testing) in high-demand situations, a new grille, a redesigned front under-bumper air dam, updated suspension, new compliance bushings and new lower-friction ball joints, stiffened bushings for the lower B-arms, and an upgraded braking system of two-piece floating front brake discs and new brake pads.

These new trims will also have a new performance datalogger, known as Honda LogR. It combines data from the onboard computer and sensors with a smartphone app to help drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters. It also helps improve driving skills both on and off the track through the use of a driving-smoothness algorithm. With access to the Type R’s onboard computer, Honda LogR can deliver much more detail than third-party performance logging apps.

Honda LogR features three main functions: a Performance Monitor, a Log Mode, and Auto Score Mode. The Performance Monitor provides vehicle information to the driver on the Display Audio screen while the app is functioning. Log Mode records lap times on the track, allowing drivers to improve their driving skills on the track. The Auto Score function encourages smoother day-to-day driving by monitoring braking, acceleration, steering, and straight-line driving, and generating an overall score based on the smoothness algorithm.

While driving, all interaction with Honda LogR is through the Display Audio screen. Log Mode and Auto Score both offer more in-depth analysis through the user’s smartphone including previous drives, performance traces and replays using Google maps, and detailed vehicle information.

Also read: 2020 Honda Civic Type R makes another stop at the Chicago Auto Show