Honda Civic Type R

Few road cars feel as at home on the race track as our Honda Civic Type R. So, when the opportunity to visit one comes around, it’s difficult to resist! Our long-term three-door has already enjoyed plenty of circuit time, and it recently sneaked in a trip to Brands Hatch.

The Kent venue’s famous twists and turns are meat and drink to the super Civic, and the talented chassis and rev-hungry engine ensure that the Honda is fantastic fun.

Away from the potholes and speed humps of my daily commute, its firm suspension comes into its own, and you can really enjoy the incredible grip and manic engine.

On the road, the Honda has been racking up the miles. After taking part in our 1,000-mile road test special (Issue 1,000), it was due for its first service. A loose battery terminal was beginning to cause a few starting problems and the front tyres were looking tired, so it was probably just as well.

Ewell Honda, near Epsom in Surrey, did the job with just a few days’ notice, and its technicians were quick to highlight evidence of its track time. The front pads needed to be replaced and the rears were 70 per cent worn.

Unfortunately, the tyres took a day to arrive, so the car stayed in overnight. But at £135.12 each, they were much less expensive than the one we purchased to replace a previous puncture – that set us back a hefty £165.50. Both the service and brake pads were fixed price jobs, although the bill still came to a stiff £535 total.

We’re getting used to putting our hands in our pockets for the Type R, because it’s averaging 27.6mpg. The car spends much of its time crawling through the congested streets of south London, but that’s still thirsty for a normally aspirated 2.0-litre.

The ride has deteriorated since the car joined the fleet last May – we suspect the dampers have lost their edge. Yet it still handles superbly, and the i-VTEC engine is as strong and tuneful as ever.

We do seem to have picked up an oil leak since its return from the garage, though. A call to Ewell Honda temporarily put my mind at rest, because oil spilled when the filter is replaced can apparently pool on the front cross-member. But as I write, it’s still dripping, so a further visit could be required – and this will allow me to get the passenger side window checked out. It has stopped responding to the switch on the driver’s side!

Yet despite the niggles, the Type R’s performance and power delivery are as addictive as ever. No matter what anyone thinks about the ride, I’m dreading the day I have to hand it back.