There’s something authentic and primal about the race-ready, manual transmission 2020 Honda Civic Type-R hot hatch. The driving experience requires your full attention, a welcome break from a social media world gone mad.

The Type-R’s all sorts of fun, with a short-shifting six-speed and 306 horses at the ready. The sport seats hug a body as the Civic weaves through twists and turns to the driver’s delight. The outrageously enormous wing in the back and low profile tires keep the car firmly planted, with direct steering inputs and a responsiveness imparting happiness normally reserved for bacon or a good stout.

While the Type-R is old-school, new school safety features and technology pepper the hatch, keeping occupants secure and devices connected. Android Auto worked seamlessly through the 7” screen, and Apple Carplay is available.

For 2020, a new phone app from Honda, LogR, chronicles track activity by connecting with the Civic’s on-board computer, displaying lap times and g-forces in real time and available later for review.

There are six different versions of the Civic and three different bodystyles; there’s even a Limited Edition of the Type-R for 2020. This is a car for everyone, but the Civic Type-R is special.