![]() It's annoying in the default Sport mode and horrid in R mode, particularly on rev-matched downshifts (which the automatic rev-matching feature encourages), where there's a sudden spike in the boomy, artificial noise.ĭuring a Zoom briefing with Honda ahead of the loan, one journalist jokingly asked about fuse-box markings so he could deactivate Active Sound Control. Sounds great (pun intended), right? Wrong.Īctive Sound Control might work for an engine that sounds nice, but one of my prime criticisms of the last Civic Type R I drove was that the four-cylinder sounded shrill and buzzy – amplifying those characteristics results in an obnoxious drone in all but the Comfort driving mode. One of the more intriguing additions to the 2020 Civic Type R is its new Active Sound Control, which “enhances the natural sound” of the 2.0-liter engine by way of the audio system. In other words, this is another excellent Honda manual transmission. The weighting of the lever, thanks in large part to the new aluminum gear knob and a 3.1-ounce counterweight, is substantial – you can feel the mechanical elements at work – but it's also the sort of thing you can manage with a flick of the wrist. The updated gearbox's throws are short and the gates tight and easy to find. Honda's revised six-speed manual contributes mightily to the fun of running the Civic Type R. The turbocharged 2.0-liter lacks the character of Honda's old naturally aspirated VTEC engines, but it's eager and energetic in a way even those old engines weren't, zipping rapidly toward the 7,000-rpm redline. Power is effortless and torque is seemingly never ending.īut it's the way the CTR's engine revs, more than the power, that makes standing on the gas pedal so enjoyable. There's still a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a setup that's more than enough to motivate a 3,100-pound car. In the Civic Type R's case not much has changed for 2020. ScarfingĪ land of painfully straight roads, southeastern Michigan is a fine place to test a car's acceleration. This is unquestionably a car that works in daily life (which is a prerequisite of a hot hatch, after all). In fact, set to the relaxed mode, the Type R does a fair impression of its more relaxed siblings. It's not that the default Sport or the hardcore R mode is too severe – in fact, even on Michigan's pockmarked roads, the overall level of composure is far better than I’d expect of a car with huge 20-inch wheels and 30-series tires. ![]() As for the stopping power of the four-piston Brembo front calipers, the setup can easily bring all 3,121 pounds of hot hatchback to a halt.īut despite all these dynamic enhancements, I spent the bulk of the drive in Comfort mode. Pedal feel is excellent – it's not heavy but is still easy to modulate. Honda’s upgraded brakes look good on paper, but good luck feeling the difference on anything outside of a racetrack, where the two-piece rotors show off the design's improved heat dissipation. The 2020 Type R remains effortlessly engaging, encouraging its driver to push and prod the forgiving chassis' limits. The weighting is natural and builds beautifully as the steering angle increases. Improvements to the steering complement this character, with new bushings and ball joints that enhance feedback. Despite the front-wheel-drive layout, which features a 62/39 weight distribution, the Type R is impressively neutral, preferring precise inputs rather than the driver simply grabbing it by the scruff of the neck. The shifter boot also features the material.īut it's also one that rewards careful driving. Honda isn't currently offering the old leather-wrapped steering wheel, so if you want a 2020, you're getting the suede-like materials. I dig the new Alcantara steering wheel and its fetching red and black color scheme, but I also realize there's a rather vocal contingent of the market that can't stand Alcantara (weirdos of every sort exist). Honda made some notable updates to the Civic's interior. Honda hasn't tweaked the engine – it still produces 306 horsepower – but the Type R is in a better place to control that straight-line performance with new two-piece brake rotors and improved pads. Under that freshened skin sits a revised suspension with new dampers and firmer rear bushings. ![]() The cabin features a new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a gorgeous aluminum gear knob, which sits atop a revised shifter with shorter throws.
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