Honda Announces Upcoming Civic Type R Facelift, Prelude’s S+ Shift Coming To Civic

The Honda Civic Type R in its current FL5 generation form has been on the market since 2023, which means that as it enters its third model year, a mid-cycle facelift is pretty much in order. This was announced by Honda’s North American division, which also revealed its upcoming product plans.

Updates To The Civic Type R

For the Honda Civic Type R’s plans, the famous hot hatch is “receiving updates this year, including exterior and interior styling changes”. That’s pretty much what the Japanese automaker said, so it is still unconfirmed if the Type R will carry over without any mechanical changes.

Currently, the Honda Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 315 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque, with power being sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual. A dual-axis strut front suspension prevents torque steer, while Brembo brakes provide sure-footed stopping power.

Unfortunately, while it seems the Civic Type R will live on in the United States, Honda Cars Philippines already announced that this hot hatch will be discontinued in our market. So don’t expect the updated Civic Type R to arrive anytime soon.

Prelude’s S+ Shift Arriving In Civic Hybrid

The Honda Prelude may share its 2.0-liter hybrid system from the Civic e:HEV hybrid–a sedan we adore so much–but what set the sporty hybrid coupe apart from the Civic is its dual-axist strut front suspension, the electronic adaptive suspension, and the Brembo brakes. It also stood out with its S+ Shift–an evolution of Honda’s Linear Shift Control that adds simulated gear shifts, complete with paddle shifters and even the jolts from actual gear changes.

S+ Shift, however, is confirmed to arrive in the next update for the Civic e:HEV hybrid, and this was already previewed at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. Does this mean there’s one less reason to go for the Prelude? Well, apparently so. Here’s to hoping that the Prelude’s arrival in the Philippines raises the image of Honda’s ever-growing hybrid lineup.