New Honda Civic Type R 2020 detailed: Upgraded brakes and suspension for Hyundai i30 N rival

Honda has updated its Civic Type R hot hatch with a tweaked exterior and enhanced performance components underneath.

Revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon event in Japan, the performance flagship sports mild cosmetic changes to put it more in line with the rest of the Civic range, including a larger front grille which is said to improve air flow to the engine.

New two-piece brake rotors with upgraded brake pads are featured to increase stopping power and reduce fade, and the suspension dampers have been adjusted to improve ride comfort.

The 2020 Honda Civic Type R features a new grille which is said to improve air cooling.

Other changes to the suspension result in a more direct steering feel, and stiffer rear bushings are said to aid in overall grip.

Inside, the facelifted five-door hatch gains a short-throw shifter with a redesigned knob and an Alcantara steering wheel.

The car also debuts Honda’s Active Sound Control system which synthesises the engine note heard inside the cabin depending on the driver mode that is engaged.

No changes have been made to the powertrain, and so the new Type R will continue to produce 228kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential.

Honda engineers have developed a new suspension system and upgraded brakes for the facelifted Type R.

Honda Australia has yet to confirm timing and specifications for the 2020 Civic Type R, however, the current model is priced from $51,990 plus on-road costs.

It was awarded a five-star safety rating and comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

The high-performance hatch rivals the likes of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N, Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS.