My third Honda but first performance car, the Type-R seems to be built to the same high standards as the others; excellent paintwork, a rattle-free cabin and a general feeling of enduring solidity For a £16k hot-hatch, the drive train is absolutely outstanding. The engine is smooth and tractable for low-stress urban driving, and very quick indeed beyond the 5800rpm cam changeover point, while the six-speed box is the best Ive ever used, with a tight mechanical action. Brakes are powerful and quickly taken for granted The 04 model is definitely more refined on long journeys than the old car - some road roar from the Bridgestones, but nothing excessive. Steering is a slight disappointment; although quick and well weighted, its still a bit numb. Nothing wrong with the handling though; very flat cornering with high levels of grip, at least in the dry. Wet weather driving is perfectly safe, but obviously requires restraint in the absence of any traction control In summary, a great cheap performance car with decent practicality and relatively reasonable running costs. The next couple of years are going to be fun. |
