| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Type-R is a testament to Honda's motorsport expertise. A highly-strung race car, it strains at the leash on ordinary roads and offers few concessions to comfort. For speed freaks only. |
| Handling |
 |
| Comfort |
 |
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
 |
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
|
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| NCAP |
| Not tested |
| Best Models |
| Type-R |
| Worst Models |
| None |
| Replacement |
| N/A |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| Type-R is a one-off, selling in limited numbers to appreciative petrol heads. It's not a pumped-up posing machine but a full-blooded racer - with the thrills and limitations implied by its niche. It's set up for speed and precision handling, with a high-revving 1.8 VTEC engine developed from the unit used in the Civic VTi. In the Integra, this feeds 190bhp to the front wheels through a close-ratio gearbox. 0-60mph acceleration comes in under seven seconds (but don't spin the wheels - it's not the best mannered car to drive in town). Clues to its racing heritage include double-wishbone independent suspension, a limited-slip differential and big ventilated disc brakes. Its responses are very sharp thanks to good grip and sensitive variable-ratio power steering. If this lights your fire, you'll forgive the Type-R's shortcomings: a hard ride, high noise levels, a sparse cabin and limited equipment - there's no standard alarm or air conditioning. |
| Positive Points |
- Amazing performance for the money
- Racing heritage and looks to match
- Great Honda engine, integrity and reliability
|
| Negative Points |
- Neither comfortable nor practical
- High insurance premiums
- Standard anti-theft protection is minimal
|
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