Hot hatch ramps up for 2021

Honda has upgraded the ride and handling of its Civic Type R, with the new model available for test drives in October before stock starts arriving in November 2020.

The 2021 version of the hot hatch officially goes on sale here on October 12 and also features improved braking performance and engine cooling. 

Honda says it has made enhancements inside and out of the car, which was first introduced in 2017.

The Civic Type R’s front and rear bumpers now have body-coloured accent blades, and Boost Blue Pearl is added to the colour line-up alongside Championship White, Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Sonic Grey Pearl.

Inside, a new Alcantara wrapped steering wheel, a new shift lever and suede shift boot separate the 2021 model from earlier versions. 

The Type R is fitted with a revised advanced display audio touchscreen and Active Sound Control (ASC). Working through the audio system’s speakers, ASC is tuned to enhance engine sound during aggressive driving in all driving modes. 

A new grille delivers a 13 per cent larger opening and Honda claims this combined with an updated radiator core improves engine cooling.

Suspension for the latest Type R has been updated for more responsive and sharper handling, while brake performance now offers better fade resistance. The brake pedal offers drivers more immediate feel with about 17 per cent less play before the brakes engage than in previous versions. 

Honda is debuting a new performance datalogger in the Type R. Known as Honda LogR, the new datalogger combines the onboard computer and sensors with a smartphone app to help drivers monitor and record performance parameters when driving on the track or other closed courses. 

Under the bonnet, the new Type R retains the 2.0-litre direct injection, turbocharged, VTEC engine, which produces 228kW of power at 6,500rpm and 400Nm peak torque from 2,500-4,500rpm. 

The engine is paired with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching function.