The New Honda Civic Type R Will Have 3 Driving Modes

We were given the chance to have a world-first look inside the Civic Type R Prototype at the LA Auto Show, revealing a new drive selector not found on the current production version

Matt Robinson

Updated: 10 Oct 2024

The New Honda Civic Type R Will Have 3 Driving Modes

At the LA Auto Show, the interior of the new Honda Civic Type R prototype has been revealed for the first time.

We were allowed a brief poke around, and one thing stuck out: the drive selector. It gives three modes - ‘comfort’, an unnamed mode in the middle and ‘+R’. It’s a part not seen on the current car which merely has a switchable ‘+R’ mode which changes the throttle map and firms up the suspension.

While this is a prototype, we’re not expecting much to change when the production version arrives, which means the drive select button is likely to be carried over. It’s a feature worth pointing out since the current Type R has come under criticism for being too harsh riding even with +R turned off, so the new comfort mode could be something that’s been added in response.

Meanwhile, the car has received a set of seats that look remarkably similar to those on the current car (no bad thing, since they’re ridiculously comfortable), and is sporting a similar brushed aluminium gear knob.

There is an electronic handbrake, but the word is the eventual UK production car will get a manual one. Good.

Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.

Comments

I hate driving modes. The mode should be how you feel that day. If you want a more comfortable ride, go buy a Passat or something.

I never really understood the point in these different driving modes. People who buy a performance car should expect a rather firm suspension, not go full James May mode. That goes the other way around too. I’m looking at you, Volvo.