Honda will respond to increasingly tough competition against the Civic Type R by refreshing the 316bhp model for 2019.
Seen here testing in Germany, the British-built Japanese hot hatch is due to receive minor design changes including tweaked bumpers and new headlights, as shown by the placement of camouflage on the development car.
Honda is also likely to apply the latest infotainment updates to the Civic range, including the Type R, which could include the return of a volume rotary knob for the sound system (the current car uses touch buttons). But don't expect any major changes to the cabin design and ergonomics, the latter of which is among the very best in this segment for driving.
Pressure from newer rivals such as the Renault Mégane RS and Hyundai i30 N, both of which are cheaper than the Civic Type R, might encourage small adjustments to the car's chassis to further enhance its adjustability; the Mégane RS is regarded as a slightly sharper steer when equipped with optional Cup suspension.
But engineers are unlikely to want to drastically alter the car’s proven formula, including a considerably more forgiving ride than its predecessor's, and the FK8 model still ranks as the quickest front-wheel-drive car at the Nürburgring.
The same is predicted for the turbocharged 2.0-litre powertrain, which, like with previous facelifted Civic Type Rs, is expected to stick with its launch output. But with 316bhp on tap, it remains among the most potent cars of the class, outpunching the Mégane RS and i30N by 30bhp and 35bhp respectively.
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Body disguise looks good
Not certain why they needed to disguise the new body work, in fact they should leave them "disguising panels" in situ, it don't look to bad on this particular design, it does what it supposed to do and break up the lines....just what this car needs.
Active Aero.......
Gone are the Days when a designer drew by hand a shape that flowed no creases no ducts no wings, today Cars performance isn’t just how much BHP a Car has its more how the Body is sculpted to maximise ground effect to push the Car onto the Road ,so mostly today’s Cars aren’t particularly pleasing on the Eye.....
I actually like the civic,
I actually like the civic, admittedly I'm not too keen on the black fake bumper vents but that wouldn't stop me buying one, the overall shape and proportions look good to my eyes. But then I have always preferred fastback type hatches to estate back types like the golf.