For the 2020 model year, the Honda Civic Type R has been upgraded with a slew of styling and performance enhancements. There's also a new Civic Type R Limited Edition with a unique exterior color and interior trimming, and a further weight reduction.

If, however, the full-fat Honda Civic Type R is too hardcore for you, there's now an alternative. Meet the 2020 Honda Civic Type R Sport Line, which has subtler styling and a more comfortable ride than its standard sibling. There is a catch, though - it won't be coming to the US. Available in Europe, the Civic Type R Sport Line's most noticeable styling change is the addition of a small rear spoiler replacing the regular Type R's massive wing.

Also distinguishing the Type R Sport Line is a grey accent line that runs along the lower edge of the car and a new Racing Blue paint finish. In addition, Honda has tweaked the hot hatchback's driving dynamics to make the Type R Sport Line more comfortable on the road.

The Civic Type R's 20-inch wheels are swapped with smaller 19-inch alloys finished in dark gray and wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sports 4S tires with a softer sidewall that enhance on-road comfort. Soundproofing materials in the trunk and tailgate also reduce noise, vibration, and harshness for a more refined ride.

Inside, the subtle changes continue as the Type R Sport Line features black bucket seats with red stitching complemented with a new teardrop style gear knob and Alcantara steering wheel. The red stitching has also been applied throughout the interior including the door panels.

We'll have to wait and see if the R Sport Line goes on sale in America at a later date, but we're not holding our breath. The Civic Type R is popular with younger buyers in America, which makes it difficult to justify selling the tamer Sport Line in the US. It's a similar story with the new 2020 Volkswagen Golf: the standard model won't be going on sale in the US since the previous model didn't sell as well as the more powerful GTI and R variants.

The 2020 Honda Civic Type R Sport Line will be available in Germany from Spring, with prices starting from €41,490 ($44,790).