Is the Recent PH Price Increase of the Honda Civic Type R Indicative That a Third Batch is Coming?

Ushering in 2020, Honda Cars Philippines upped the price of the Civic Type R. From P 2.980 million, the hot hatch’s price goes up P 200,000 to P 3.180 million. With the refreshed model debuting at the Tokyo Auto Salon, could this price be indicative that Honda is ready to bring yet another batch of Civic Type Rs into the country?

Before answering that question though, let’s see what’s new with the 2020 Civic Type R first.

The 2020 Civic Type R incorporates numerous changes to improve its already stellar driving dynamics, including new two-piece brake rotors and new brake pads designed to reduce fade and improve high-speed braking efficiency.

Suspension revisions for 2020 will include updated dampers for better ride comfort, stiffer rear bushings for better grip, and modifications to the front suspension to reduce friction and improve steering feel.

Exterior design enhancements also include a new larger front grille opening for improved engine cooling, and the 2020 model will be available in a new, Type R-exclusive Boost Blue color.

Inside, the 2020 Civic Type R gains an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a new shifter with a restyled knob and even shorter shift throws. And in a bit of a surprise, it also adds Honda Sensing—a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

Under the hood, the 2020 Civic Type R continues to draw power from a race-bred 2.0-liter direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with VTEC. It continues to put out a peak 306 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Power is still routed through the front wheels via a close-ratio 6-speed manual with a limited-slip differential. New for 2020 though is Active Sound Control, which modifies interior sound in concert with the chosen drive mode.

Now, we asked Honda Cars Philippines about the Civic Type R’s price increase, and whether or not this is indicative of a third batch of units arriving into the country. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. There are no concrete plans yet in place bring in the refreshed 2020 Civic Type R. The P 3.180-million price tag is simply reflective of the last few units that that were affected by unfavorable exchange rates. These units are still at selected Honda dealerships awaiting a buyer.