1996 Honda Integra Type-R (JDM) review from UK and Ireland

The Km to Mph converter (needed as it's a Japanese import) went screwy and thought the car was going top speed even when stationary! This clocked up about extra 8k miles on the odometer.

Went through the standard brake pads very quickly when driven enthusiastically - the UK Integra has better brakes, especially later models.

Beautiful, quick & rare - all the qualities I love in a car.

If you want a stripped out racer with an engine that will scream its way to the 9,200rpm redline with no sound-deadening then this is the car for you.

Yet at the same time this car is a practical hatchback and, if driven under the 5,500rpm VTEC kick, is pretty economical - although you'll rarely drive it this way as the acceleration is addictive.

The supportive hugging Recaro seats are very comfortable, though the harness holes will bother those a little short in stature. If you're looking to buy try to get one with black seats as the standard red ones fade and get dirty very easily.

The rectangular headlamps are infinitely better than the dim round projector headlamps of the UK model.

The JDM version is a fair bit lighter than the UK car and therefore a little quicker. The similar spec Mitsubishi FTO (which I also considered) is slow & heavy in comparison.

They're great fun, if you're considering one I assure you won't be disappointed.