Honda unveiled the facelifted 2020 Honda Civic Type R at the opening of the Tokyo Auto Salon. Headlining the changes are new suspension, new brakes, new short throw gear shifter and the inclusion of Honda Sensing.

The new updates are mostly done to make the Civic Type R improve the car’s driving dynamics. A new aero kit and larger front grill for improved engine cooling changes the Civic’s visual impact.

Honda is also offering a new Type R-exclusive Boost Blue colour for the new Civic Type R so it is easier to differentiate the Type R from the standard Civic.

Other than that, updates include new two-piece brake rotors and new brake pads for extended life expectancy and better stopping power.

Suspension is also revised with new softer dampers for better ride comfort but at the same time Honda has given the Type R stiffer bushings in the rear for better grip.

But despite softening the dampers, Honda has not forgotten that the Type R is ultimately for performance driving so the front suspensions were modified to reduce friction but at the same time improve steering feel.

Of course, the highlight of the Civic Type R’s update is the inclusion of Honda Sensing as a standard equipment.

On the inside, Honda has further improved the refinement with a new Alcantara wrapped steering wheel and a new shifter featuring a restyled knob for better, shorter shift action.

No changes were made under the hood as the new 2020 Civic Type R still draws power from the same 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC unit that produces 310 PS and 400 Nm. The engine is also still mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Honda has also included Active Sound Control on the new Type R to modify the interior sounds according to the selected drive mode of Comfort, Sport, and +R.