Honda has treated its Civic Type R hot hatch to a mid-life update, and introduced two special variants. Meet the track-focused Limited Edition and wingless Sport Line.

While the Type R range gets a mild visual update, these new versions expand its appeal. At one end of the scale, the unmissable Limited Edition is the most extreme Type R yet. At the other, the Sport Line offers a more subtle take.

Civic Type R Limited Edition: not-so-mellow yellow

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The Limited Edition has been developed with track performance firmly in mind. As the name suggests, it’ll be limited, to just 100 examples for Europe. That’ll make this Civic hot property, but will it be worth getting into scraps over it at your Honda dealer?

Potentially, although we don’t advocate that kind of behaviour. The LE adds lightweight BBS alloy wheels, Michelin Cup 2 tyres and modified dampers. On the inside, the Alcantara-trimmed wheel, bucket seats and classic Type R metal teardrop gear shifter spice things up. As will a 47kg saving made by removing the infotainment system, air conditioning and a chunk of sound deadening.

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Honda takes a dig – presumably at the very expensive Renault Sport Megane Trophy R – by saying ‘unlike other brands’ track-focused performance hatchbacks, the Limited Edition retains its rear seats’.

The Type R Limited Edition gets to 62mph in 5.7 seconds. Finally, the colour: it’s called Sunlight Yellow, presumably to remind you of what will be cooking you with the lack of air conditioning.

Civic Type R Sport Line: wingless wonder

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The Type R Sport Line takes a different tack to the hardcore Limited Edition. Most obvious is the absence of the huge rear wing, for added slipperiness and subtlety. Honda also says the Sport Line offers a more refined ride.

Extra refinement comes courtesy of new 19-inch alloy wheels with soft-sidewalled Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, designed to combat noise vibrations and harshness. The Sport Line adds sound deadening, too.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a ‘diet’ version of the Type R. All the important stuff remains, like the VTEC turbo engine and bucket seats. The old-school EK9-style shift knob also features on the inside.

Given it’s the softer sibling, the Sport Line also retains the infotainment system, which, for this update, spans seven inches and incorporates DAB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

New Civic Type R: overall updates

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The whole Civic Type R range has been breathed on for 2020. Those subtly updated looks aren’t just for show. The intake has a 13 percent larger opening, which helps toward a 10-degree reduction in coolant temperature. If you’re worried how this affects the Civics famed functional aerodynamics, the downforce deficit has been countered with a redesigned air dam. 

Subtle updates to the suspension should make it a sharper, more responsive steer, while updated brakes reduce unsprung weight at the front by 2.5kg. The brake pedal also has 15mm less travel, for more precise control. 

Finally, the infotainment now includes the Honda LogR data-logger. It works with the car’s sensors as well as an app on your phone to record your performance driving, and help improve it. 

Performance Monitor allows you to monitor key vehicle parameters, like coolant and oil temperatures, oil pressure and air intake temperature. It can also display a G-force meter or a 3D view of the car’s on-road behaviour.

Log Mode will help you get the best lap times. It uses GPS to track you, in combination with the car’s sensors. It can then encourage you with colour-coded racing lines, not unlike on a racing game. The aim is to improve driving smoothness, both on a circuit and on the road.

Auto Score mode takes that performance, as well as your driving habits over time, and compares it with an ‘expert driver’ baseline.

When choosing a new car, price and availability are more important than the brand. That’s according to the results of a new car leasing study.

It found that just 4 percent of customers rated brand as a crucial consideration when searching for a new car. Meanwhile, 15 percent claimed they had not considered the brand at all.

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Of the 3,058 leasing customers surveyed, 28 percent said price was a crucial factor, making it the most important consideration. Ten percent said vehicle availability was a crucial consideration.

We tend to live in the here and now, with customers accustomed to having immediate access to music, films, games and food. Having to wait weeks, even months, for a new car isn’t an option for some. Opting for a delivery via physical stock is preferable, even if it means forgoing some personalisation options.

‘No bad cars nowadays’

Keith Hawes, a director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts said: “These results suggest that many of our customers are not as loyal to a particular brand as perhaps they once were. There really are no bad cars nowadays, and most share similar technology, platforms and features. Our customers often have a specific budget in mind and, their priority is to get the best possible value for their money.

“Last year, over 70 percent of the vehicles we delivered were via physical stock, proving vehicle availability remains a key driver for our customers.

“More than ever, customers are craving quicker transactions and delivery lead times. They simply don’t want to wait around for a car. Customers are instead picking a vehicle that suits their needs in terms of both availability and price.”

But don’t be too quick to dismiss brand as an unimportant factor in the car buying journey. Around a fifth (19 percent) of those survey said brand was still important to them, even if the study implies a decline in motivation towards a specific brand. Maintaining a positive and appealing brand profile remains important, even if it’s to ensure the name stays on the shortlist for the next car.

The fact that the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class are two regulars in the top ten sales charts suggests that brand still has a vital role to play. This is particularly true in the UK, where premium brands remain popular. 

Deliveries are barely underway, but the new Ford Puma is being recalled due to a fault with its airbag system. Pending deliveries have been suspended.

The problem relates to the airbag retention springs. In an accident, they could allow the safety device to detach from the wheel when it activates.

The fault isn’t down to Ford, apparently, but a third-party parts supplier.

“A number of Puma vehicles have been built with driver’s airbag retention springs that may be outside of Ford Motor Company manufacturing specification,” a Ford spokesperson told Autocar.

“Under certain conditions, it is possible that the airbag is not retained in the steering wheel after it has been deployed. The performance of the airbag in case of an accident with airbag deployment will still meet regulatory requirements and provides sufficient protection for the driver.

“Ford has issued a sales hold of all affected vehicles in dealer stock and will immediately exchange the airbag retention spring.”

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In Euro NCAP’s crash testing, the Puma did exceptionally well. It scored five stars overall, making it ‘one of the safest choices in the lower price segment’.

This comes just as Ford dealers begin to take stock of Pumas. They have been instructed to retain the cars until the issue is fixed.

Around a third of the affected vehicles are thought to have already been delivered to buyers. They are being notified of the recall immediately. 

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It’s a blow for a car that is expected to be a breakout success. Sporty looks, clever features, critical acclaim and attractive pricing make the Puma an appealing choice.

In his review of the new Ford Puma, MR’s Tim Pitt said “The Puma’s sportier bent may not suit everyone, but it certainly should be on your radar if you like this type of car. This time, I think Ford has a hit on its hands”.