Just as fast as we saw the hot hatches and performance cars that fit in the compact class arrive on the market in the US, it seems like we might see these vehicles leave the market. With the announcement from at least one automaker that SUVs will be all they offer in the future, it feels like the hot hatch days are numbered. Apparently, Honda didn’t get this memo and they have already begun to upgrade their hot hatch which is the Civic Type R. That’s good news for those of us who love to drive a fun and small car on the road.
New and Already Being Improved
The Honda Civic Type R in its current form hasn’t even completed two full years on the market and we already see some upgraded models out testing on the roads. This new hot hatch has been spied with camouflage on the front to give it a new look that can be right for when it’s time to get out and take a drive. With upgrades to the front and the rear, the changes appear to be subtle but will make a difference in the performance numbers offered.
What we’ve seen so far is a new pair of front side intake vents for the front to make sure the air can be brought to the engine to keep it cool. There are also some small changes being made to the inside with an upgraded version of the Honda Connect infotainment system to give this car an excellent drive and connection you’re looking for. While we can’t tell from the spy shots taken or the testing mule on the track, there could be some new colors offered for this car to let us see that it’s an upgraded model of what we love to drive.
Thinking of More for the Honda Civic Type R
The Honda team has stated they are open to introducing different models of the Type R, including one that would offer more horsepower and one that brings a serious focus on the grand touring part of the drive. This could be what we see starting in 2020 or beyond and may be part of why we already see Honda working to improve this already impressive hot hatch. The goal is to entice more of us to drive one of the variants that meet the desires we have when it’s time for the drive.
For now, the Honda Civic Type R continues to be a car that we can truly enjoy driving. It’s built to offer us the fun we want on the road and offer a reliable daily performer that can be shown off every day. Possibly, one of the new variants will be a model that offers a pure track focus, but that’s yet to be seen. It’s exciting to think about what the future holds for the Honda Civic Type R. Thankfully, Honda isn’t following what others are doing, they’re carving their own path with the Civic Type R.
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