2020 Honda Civic Sport Line Mixes Type R-Inspired Design With Three-Cylinder Power

Not long after gaining subtle updates for the 2020 model year, the Honda Civic gets a new Sport Line variant in Europe.

The 2020 Civic Sport Line combines design cues inspired by the Type R hot hatch with generous equipment when based on the top-of-the-line EX trim level, and a turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

Styling-wise, it has front and side skirts, a rear diffuser and a subtle rear spoiler. The pack also includes 17-inch alloy wheels in a high-gloss, piano black finish and full LED headlights and DRLs. In addition to the usual range of exterior colors, the Sport Line model can be had in a new paint finish called Obsidian Blue.

Inside, sporty-flavored upgrades include red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear shift boot and door panels, as well as drilled aluminum pedals. The list of standard equipment consists of the Honda Connect infotainment system with DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the top EX grade adds a reversing camera integrated in the interface.

As with all Civic models, the Sport Line offers Honda’s Sensing safety suite, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System and Traffic Sign Recognition, as standard. Top grade models add Blind Spot Information (including Cross Traffic Monitor) and Low Speed Following functions.

If you expected a powerful engine to go with the sporty appearance, the Civic Sport Line will probably disappoint you. That’s because it’s only available with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 126 PS (124 HP) and 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) of torque that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT with paddle shifters.

In the UK, the Honda Civic Sport Line starts at £25,510 ($33,560) for the manual and £26,910 ($35,405) for the CVT. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in January 2020.