The first glimpse of a particular car will either put you off or inspire you to find out more about that vehicle. Automakers know that all too well, and that is why they take time to refresh their cars before introducing the next generation of models. That is the case with the upcoming Honda Civic Type R that has been spotted during street testing. As a performance hatchback model, the Civic Type R has been compared with models like the Volkswagen Golf R and the Subaru WRX STI.

The Honda Civic Type R model is in need of a refresh

Since its introduction in 2017, the Honda Civic Type R continues to be one of the most desired and sought-after performance vehicles. That is due to the model’s several broken track records in some of the most challenging racetracks worldwide, strong following, and rich racing heritage.

However, as much as that is the case, the Civic Type R model has needed a refresh, and it’s on the way. Honda enthusiasts cannot wait to see the all-new Honda Civic Type R that promises to have several adjustments according to what has been spotted in the latest glimpse. 

The next-gen Honda performance hatchback

According to Autoblog, the sleek styling blades of the all-new Civic Type R contribute to its cleaner styling. The other feature that gives the vehicle a distinctive look is a rear diffuser with a sporty red accent line running around the entire car.

Expected changes on the next-gen Honda Civic Type R

The expectation is that a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will power the all-new Civic Type R, and manual transmission will be standard. Another noticeable difference is that the car will have an actual production exhaust system, and the center-exit triple-tip exhaust will make its way from the old model to the new one. Additionally, the new triple-tip exhaust will have one larger center tip and two smaller flanking tips. The car’s wings remain large and proud, and the front bumper’s side intakes are covered.

2021 Honda Civic Type R specifications

If you enjoy getting in and driving past other drivers in traffic, then a performance hatchback will prove an ideal option. Note that conventional hatchbacks are nothing more than what meets the eye and have a ton of generation upgrades as well. However, in the hatchback world, the Honda Civic Type R is one of the vehicles with a stellar reputation.

The 2021 Honda Civic Type R costs $44,000 exclusive of packages, and you can choose from the Touring or Limited Edition trim levels. The Limited Edition resembles the Touring in its powertrain and other matrices apart from some exterior trims. The vehicle was introduced this year. Also, the Limited Edition has an exclusive Phoenix Yellow coat, and it comes with 20-inch Forged Aluminum BBS tires.

On the other hand, the Touring variant maintains consistency in the rear with its roof-mounted vortex generator and diffuser for managing airflow. Also, you cannot help but notice the Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock System that enriches the Touring. Still, it’s helpful to understand that both trims are mirror images of each other in several departments.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R comes with a 2.0L Turbo I-4 VTEC engine. The engine has 306 horsepower at 6500 RPMs and 295 pound-feet of torque at 2500 RPMs. That allows the vehicle to go from 0-60 mph in only five seconds and a quarter-mile in 12.7 seconds. A limited-slip differential coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox inside the 2021 Honda Civic Type R helps the powertrain deliver a power surge to the front wheels. Meanwhile, regarding performance assistance, the Civic Type R includes HondaLink, Honda LogR Datalogger System, Active Sound Control, and a 3-Mode Drive System.

Note that the impressive figures in performance in line result from the Turbo hitching with the Electric Wastegate, which is in conjunction with the triple-outlet exhaust. The car has a fuel mileage of 25 mpg on average, and its fuel tank capacity is 12.4 gallons, which allows the vehicle to keep moving for up to 347 miles.

The Honda Civic Type R has a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen for infotainment, and Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation is also available. The major upgrades in the package are a 540-Watt 12-speakers premium audio system, including a subwoofer, the HondaLink, and SiriusXM Radio. For more common and standard technology features, the model also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.