The 2021 Civic Type R, still codenamed FK8, features a number of styling enhancements. The lower fog light surrounds feature a new symmetrical design incorporating smooth surfaces and styling blades, while inside, it gets a new shape for its shifter as well as physical knobs for its infotainment system.

Now, although these aesthetic changes are minor, underneath Honda has done a lot of work.

First of all, the body frame is now stiffer with a 37 percent improvement in torsional stiffness and 45 percent in static bending rigidity.

Meanwhile, the suspension has been reworked for more responsive handling and a sharper steering feel. The Adaptive Dampers are able to evaluate road conditions faster, resulting in improved reactions for both better handling and ride quality. The rear bushings have been stiffened for better toe-in characteristics when cornering. At the front, updated compliance bushings, new lower-friction ball joints, and revised suspension geometry result in sharper steering feel for better control.

For better stopping performance, the refreshed Civic Type R features an enhanced braking system, with two-piece floating front brake discs, larger rear discs, and new brake pads.

Capping off the performance changes is the addition of Active Sound Control or ASC which features individual settings for the Type R’s Sport, +R and Comfort driving modes. It works to enhance the engine sound during aggressive driving in Sport and +R modes and refines it in Comfort mode during acceleration.

In terms of power, Honda retains the race-proven 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine. With that, it makes 310 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. But while the engine is unchanged, the revised Civic Type R’s 6-speed manual sees a tweaked gear ratio and new clutch design. 0 to 100 km/h is done in 5.8 seconds, while top speed is pegged at 272 km/h.

Finally, the Civic Type R benefits from added safety thanks to the inclusion of Honda Sensing for the first time. The suite of safety technologies, one of the most comprehensive in its class, gives the hot hatch Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Honda is making only 15 units of the 2021 Civic Type R available. There are 7 in the new Racing Blue Pearl color (accompany photos in this story), while 3 in Championship White, and 5 in Sonic Gray Pearl. Price is pegged at P 3.210 million or a P 30,000 increase over the current Civic Type R’s SRP.