Honda Civic Type-R

   The Honda Civic Type-R is produced since 2007. It is available as a 3-door hatchback or a 4-door sedan.

   This car is powered by a 2.0-liter engine, developing nearly 200 hp. A sedan model comes with a slightly more powerful unit. In-gear acceleration was improved over the previous model and you can make a swift progress without having to set the engine screaming. Some competitors of the new Civic Type-R offer more power, but it's 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration time is still very respectable. The new Type-R has a better pull at low revs, while the engine is more flexible. In gear acceleration has also been improved. Engine is mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

   The new Civic Type-R has a revised suspension. No longer it crashes in every pothole. This new car copes much better with coarse roads than it's predecessor. It has an electrically assisted power steering, which is direct and intuitive, without feeling artificially-weighted. The car has a good weight distribution and do not feels nose-heavy. There is also no tendency to torque steer.

   The new Type-R is considerably easier to live with. Engine noise was reduced comparing with the predecessor, while at the motorway speed it is less tiring to wear miles.

   The new Honda Civic Type-R costs pretty much the same as other class leaders. It still undercuts some rivals though and has a better value for money. It is assumed that this car keeps it's value better than other hot hatches, while running costs are relatively cheap too. Furthermore Honda is well known for building very reliable cars and lacks any serious complaints.

   Interior of the Type-R is generally similar to the mainstream Civic, but with some minor details remaining that it is a performance model. The first production cars of the mainstream models had some early-build fitting glitches, but they are sorted by now.

   Supportive bucket seats of the Civic Type-R give you a strong bear-hug and help a lot in tight corners, however it takes effort to turn around ant to look behind. A split-level rear tailgate glass, as well as the spoiler do not aid the rearward visibility. There is no rear wash-wipe as well.

   Despite being a four-seater the Type-R can take fifth passenger at a push for 'emergency use'. Unfortunately the rear headroom is limited because of the sloping roofline, but the cabin still feels roomy. The boot is rather large for the car's class.

   The original Honda Civic scored 4 stars out of 5 possible on the Euro NCAP crash tests. It also distinguished as having good pedestrian and child protection ratings. Front and side airbags are standard as well as the anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and stability control. The GT model adds full-length curtain airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners. On the standard security list there are deadlocks, immobilizer and alarm.

   The Type-R comes with two trim levels: Standard and GT. The Standard trim comes with only essentials, so it is worth adding more and going for the GT. The last mentioned adds adds rear spoiler, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, side curtain airbags, front fog lights, electric-folding door mirrors and automatic headlights.

   Production of the Honda Civic Type-R still continues.

   Advantages: Very reliable, more agile than many rivals, fun to drive and looks well.

   Disadvantages: Not so hardcore as the previous model. Poor rearward visibility.

   Verdict: Considerably easier to live with on a day-to-day basis.

   Also consider: Ford Focus ST, Volkswagen Golf GTI.