New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign, Engine, Interior – Canadians bought more Honda Civics than any other passenger car for 24 years in a row. That streak was broken by the Toyota Corolla in 2022, but the Civic remains popular for its reputation as an affordable, reliable, and fun-to-drive compact. And while the latest generation is bigger and heavier – and has more technology – than before, it retains the core attributes that have made the Civic a favourite for so many years. New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign
Whereas the hardcore Civic Type R takes the aggression up to entirely new heights, the New 2026 Honda Civic Si trades some of that rowdiness for a more civilized experience. Unlike the Type R, it’s offered only as a sedan, although it comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and a stiffened suspension, just like its hatchback sibling.
New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior and Interior
Civics are fun to drive and always have been. Soichiro Honda wanted to infuse joy into all his products but still keep them accessible and approachable, and the Civic in any form is the epitome of this. It’s a car that makes you feel comfortable right away, like an old friend. New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign
The driving position and pedal placement are about as good as it gets. The steering wheel, which is the perfect size and thickness, requires more effort to turn in the Si, but the responsiveness and feel you get from the front end is more Porsche-like than that of an economy car.
New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Specs
When you come close to the redline, the shift lights at the top of the instrument display on Canadian-spec automobiles light up. Normal, sport, and individual are the three drive modes; the latter may be adjusted to the preferences of the driver. In Canada, we may also have heated seats and a heated steering wheel, which are not available in the US. This package also includes a 12-speaker radio, a nine-inch infotainment screen, and a seven-inch digital instrument monitor. New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign
Engine and Performance
The Civic Si is motivated by a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine that produces 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. That’s actually five fewer horsepower than the previous generation, for those keeping score. In fact, the Si has made around 200 hp since the eighth-generation Civic debuted in 2006. New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign
Rather than brute force, the Si has been – and remains – a driver’s car with a fizzy engine that loves to rev, and employs one of the best manual transmissions on the planet. And while the turbo means it no longer hits a redline north of 8,000 rpm, the forced induction adds low-rev torque that manages to make up for it.
Give it the beans and the Civic Si feels quicker than its numbers might suggest. It’s not actually that quick, but it feels quick, which is what really matters on the road, while the stereo-enhanced engine noise has a bit of a nostalgic quality to it. There are more powerful sport compact cars out there, but on the flip side this Civic can be pushed a bit harder without fear of breaking every speed limit in the country.
New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Fuel Economy
In spite of its performance, there’s no penalty to pay at the pumps for the Civic Si’s extra power. While officially rated to burn a combined 7.7 L/100 km, it’s not difficult to land somewhere in the mid 6.0 mark without driving too enthusiastically. New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign
Choosing an Si means that you’re giving up the regular Civic’s ride quality, which is quite good. The Si uses stiffer springs and shocks, which together provide sharper handling with the trade-off being decreased ride comfort. It gets choppy over rough pavement, but for the most part it’s completely livable. The Si gets top marks for its sport seats that are very supportive and comfortable.
New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Safety Features
The Civic Si comes with all the latest active driver aids like forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition, while a full gamut of airbags are included to keep occupants safe. Approachability is another key attribute here. The redesigned interior is an exercise in simplicity and functionality. The low cowl height provides exceptional forward visibility, and the buttons and knobs are big, tactile, and easy to use. With the exception of the infotainment screen perched on the centre of the dashboard, this is a design that will look good and should function just as well in 20 years. New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign
New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Price and Release Date
Paying nearly $40,000 for a sporty Civic can seem a bit outrageous, but then a Type R is more than $50,000. The Civic might deliver one of the best driving experiences in its class, but then the more intense – and powerful – Hyundai Elantra N is a steal at a similar price to this Civic.
The Si is a Civic that offers an elevated driving experience if not quite a Type R-lite. It adds some extra power but a whole lot more feel. There are quicker cars for less money, but the New 2026 Honda Civic Si is less about the numbers and straight-line speed and more about how it makes a driver feel. New 2026 Honda Civic Type R Redesign