2003 Honda Civic Type-R A/C review from UK and Ireland

Wind noise through drivers window; fixed under warranty.

Apart from that she's perfect.

This car is amazing!

I test drove a Type-R a year and a half ago and was really impressed, it was then, however, out of my reach.

In the last year circumstances changed and I could easily afford it so I had another test drive in a 2004 ex-demo facelift model. Instantly fell in love and put my deposit down there and then!

The sound when the car is on song (in VTEC) is awesome! Its actually addictive to drive it to the red line!

Fuel economy is good if you manage to resist taking it past 6000rpm (when VTEC kicks in) and its nice enough to poodle around town without hassles. A real split personality.. purring pussycat and wild tiger! :)

Interior is excellent for a Jap car, and the gear shift, gearbox, engine, etc.. are just slick and superb! All honed with that bombproof honda engineering.

Seats are supportive and very comfortable. Although I don't do that many motorway miles, when I do its always 200-400miles at a time and I feel perfectly refreshed when I step out at the other end.

Handling is excellent, though steering feel is a little numb. Only other problem is the wet grip of the standard bridgestone potenza tyres.. easily solved with a change to good old grippy Toyo Proxies.

In short, a master stroke of a car that goes like stink and looks gorgeous to boot!!