Honda Civic Type-R

Only truly elite models stand the test of time like the Type R. With what is still one of the finest engines and gearboxes around, the Honda is an engineering marvel - but rivals have moved on. Even racy Recaro seats and tinted windows can't hide the fact the Civic is now outclassed. Yet the all-new Civic Type R still has a lot to live up to.

This unique training policy sees junior Type R engineers putting their spanners to work on Jenson Button's grand prix race car one month, before coming back down to earth the next under the bonnet of a family hatchback.

So it's no surprise the Civic Type R is a bit special. At its launch back in 2001, it blew the competition away with its incredible powerplant and thrilling performance - but time is short for the sizzling Honda hatchback. The wraps will come off an all-new version next year, so the Japanese manufacturer has given the outgoing model one final boost and a fitting send-off.

A major factor in improving Honda's image among young drivers, the Civic has really established the Type R brand in the UK. With the production line now closed, the final few editions represent better value for money than ever.

The easiest way to tell the last-of-the-line models apart is by their tinted rear windows. Although it won't be to everyone's taste, the privacy glass adds to the Civic's mean appearance, and is likely to appeal to hot hatch fans. Inside, the tweaks continue, with Recaro bucket seats and a Momo-branded steering wheel replacing the standard items. Yet while the chairs are perfect, the new design can't disguise the fact that the wheel is offset to the right. Ergonomically, rivals are far superior.

There have been plenty of rumours circulating about power upgrades and suspension tweaks, but Honda's engineers have decided to leave the Type R untouched mechanically.

Thanks to its racing pedigree, the Civic's engine is a real joy. While the driver will have to push it right up to the red line to access the best performance, the noise from the four-cylinder powerplant is incredible and the snappy gearchanges are faultless.

The only letdown is the numb steering. The chassis delivers just as much grip and agility as it always has, but there's a lack of feedback through the wheel; in this respect, the Civic is a world apart from VW's latest Golf GTI, with its accurate set-up. Yet while it's no longer a class-leader, the Type R is still a fine driver's car - and is virtually guaranteed future classic status.