2021 Honda Civic Type R: Expectations and what we know so far

2021 Honda Civic Type R: What we know so far 

When the current FK8 Honda Civic Type R was released back in 2017, many car enthusiasts and Honda fans were hyped up. Ecstatic even. Why? Well, the release of the new Honda Civic Type R signified that Honda is not done with performance cars, which provides what enthusiasts want. 

But while the model in question is indeed a mechanical marvel, its exterior design was divisive especially with regards to the large wing. There were also reports that the outgoing model suffered overheating during race track runs. And moreover, many of its users said that “it was too quiet.”

The Civic Type R Sport Line's rear end. Note the smaller wing

Honda listened to this a bit and thus gave the Civic Type R a facelift last year. Apart from having better airflow for the engine, it comes with a new look, and there’s even a version with a smaller wing called the Type R Sport Line. 

The Philippines however, is yet to receive the facelifted Civic Type R. If we went with our gut feeling, however, there might be a chance for the local market to get it. Before that though, the current PH-spec Civic Type R will be carried over for the model year 2021. So, what can we expect from it this year?

The pre-facelift Honda Civic Type R FK8

2021 Honda Civic Type R: Exterior

When it comes to the facelifted Civic Type R, the changes are a bit subtle. The front and rear end now come with a revised mesh design, and the body-colored blades upfront look slightly different. Then there’s the Civic Type R Sport Line, which ditched the huge wing, in favor of a smaller one. 

The facelifted Honda Civic Type R

As for the current PH-spec model, all of its exterior elements will be carried over for 2021. In other words, we cannot expect any changes until the facelifted FK8 gets here.

>>> Related: Rumor: Next Honda Civic Type R to get 400 hp via hybrid powertrain?

2021 Honda Civic Type R: Interior

Inside, the new FK8 Civic Type R now sports a shifter boot made out of suede. The knob was also replaced with a polished cap, which is reminiscent of the shifter found on the Integra Type R, and the Honda S2000.  

The facelifted Civic Type R's shifter

As for the rest of the interior, not much has changed in terms of design. Do note however that Honda has tweaked the model’s Active Sound Control to provide more sound. They did this by allowing the system to remain active on all three drive modes, with the +R mode being the loudest.

But yes, this system is still an “engine sound enhancer,” which still uses speakers to appease enthusiasts. Many of us, especially the purists, sort of dislike it. But then again, it's what we have when it comes to the facelifted Civic Type R’s engine sound, well, apart from attempting to give the car a straight pipe exhaust.  

The facelift's interior still features a black and red color scheme

Apart from those improvements, Honda also gave the facelifted model the LogR. It is a data-logging application, which displays important car info like water and oil temperature, lap timer, among others. This is transferable to your smartphone via the Civic Type R’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features, and it can be referred to anytime you want.

>>> Related: Next-gen Honda Civic coming in 2021

2021 Honda Civic Type R: Engine and Performance

To address the present, but arguably isolated cases of overheating, Honda made the facelifted Civic Type R’s grille opening a bit larger. Downforce was also improved by the new grille, and the active suspension software is now more attentive to provide dampening. The rear portions of the suspension system were also improved with better ball joints, and better bushings. According to Honda, these improvements resulted in better cornering, as well as a better ride overall. 

The facelifted Honda Civic Type R uses the same K20C1 inline-4 turbo engine

Regarding the Civic Type R’s powerplant, no improvements were made, and the said turbocharged inline-4 gasoline mill can still make up to 306 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Of course, the Civic Type R gets a five-speed manual. 

2021 Honda Civic Type R: Safety

With the facelift, the Japanese automaker also packed in the latest Honda Sensing as a standard kit. This of course includes potentially useful features like a collision mitigation braking system, collision warning systems, road departure mitigation, among others.  

Currently, the PH-spec Civic Type R already comes with three airbags, speed-sensing door locks, stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, hill-start assist, auto-dimming rearview mirror, etc.

>>> Related: Honda Sedan models available in the Philippines: Specs, price and brief review

2021 Honda Civic Type R: Final Thoughts

For most current Honda Civic Type R owners, you’ve probably never heard of that overheating issue at all. Not all have the time to go to the race track especially in this day and age, and most will have used their beloved Type Rs as a weekend cruiser and/or a daily instead.

Well, maybe save for those driving their Civic Type Rs on public roads as if they’re on the race track. In which case, that’s on you. Our point is, many are already content with the Civic Type R’s pre-facelift version and will instead prefer to mod their cars instead.  

The Civic Type R FK8, regardless of version, can be fun to drive and be a comfortable daily driver

If you’re the type who’s very serious about performance, however, you might be drooling over the facelifted version right now. It handles better, and will definitely outpace the pre-facelift Type R on a track. Then of course there’s the new Honda Sensing suite, which will provide more peace of mind for you and your family.  

What about the Civic Type R Sport Line? Well, it isn’t that different from the standard facelifted Civic Type R. As such, we can hope right now that Honda PH introduces the smaller wing as an optional package instead of a whole new variant. Do note that as with any speculative article, take what we’ve said so far with a grain of salt.

The front end of the Honda Civic Type R Sport Line

2021 Honda Civic Type R: Expected Price

The current PH-spec Honda Civic Type R is currently priced at Php 3,180,000. If Honda PH decided to introduce the facelifted Civic Type R, expect that price to go up. Also, there’s the new DTI safeguard tax to consider when it comes to local car prices. 

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