Honda Civic Type-R (2007 - 2010) 2.0 i-VTEC Type R GT 3d (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It is a real head-turner. I got it in Night Hawk Black, which means it can go unnoticed if you want it to. I think with a Civic Type R, it can look boy racery when you want but would also look equally at home at a fancy restaurant.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They love it! They think it looks brilliant from the outside and even better from the inside!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, without hesitation. A lot of people complain that this car doesn't have a turbo - and therefore doesn't have much torque. One of the reasons I went for this car was because it is reliable. Nearly everybody I know who has bought a turbo'd car has had faults develop and they turn out to be very costly. I like fun and reliability which is why i'd buy this car again and again if I was in the same situation. Economy is good too - averaged 29.7mpg these past 3 months.

What are you likely to buy next?

Next Civic Type R will have a turbo due to emission laws. So I may refrain from purchasing the next iteration. All depends on my financial situation. I may end up with a family hatchback and 2 seater convertible (3-litre Z4 for example). Although no immediate plans to upgrade.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£11,640

When did you buy the car?

January 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

I thought so. They gave me a good trade-in on my very old Ford Focus and threw in a free three-year service plan, gap insurance, year MOT from date of purchase and six months' car tax.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a hot hatch. Something both reliable and fun. I wanted a car that looked good on the outside and a nice place to sit while mile munching.

What was the dealer like?

I went to Honda Brighton. They were very helpful and would happily recommend to anyone else.

What's it like to drive?

I have driven a fair few cars, but nothing like this. The car can be anything you want it to be. It can be refined when you want as you can happily cruise at 30mph in 6th gear (1,500rpm), but put your foot down and it feels special. It sounds incredible too. You have to make sure you are in the right gear to get the performance out of the car but it really rewards you. It has lots of grip although I do think an LSD (standard on CW and 10-plate versions - April on) would be even more confidence inspiring. The ride is harsh but tolerable and this is helped by the excellently supportive seats. Before buying this I test drove a Golf GTI Mk5 and that was too refined and sounded boring! I think I definitely made the right decision.

What's it like to park?

In a word ... easy. People complain about the rear spoiler but it isn't that obtrusive. And you are compensated with these giant wing mirrors. It makes parking easy and going back to other cars difficult to adjust to.

Have you had any problems with the car?

3 months in and no issues so far. The engine will probably go on forever, although I have heard stories about the general build quality. My experience so far has been fantastic though.

What's most practical about your car?

Massive boot with false floor. Seats fold completely flat. Glovebox is so big you could actually lose things in there. 4 very usable seats.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

My 59 plate is a face-lifted version so comes with Xenon HIDs (auto leveling with headlight washers), Ipod connectivity and the usuals such as cruise control, auto lights, auto wipers, electric folding wing mirrors and refrigerated glove box. My favourite, though, has to be the LED rev limiter and digital speedo located just below the windscreen. When you put your foot down and you enter VTEC a light comes on by the digital speedo to tell you (not that you need telling) and a series of LEDs illumiate the closer to the 8000rpm redline you go. This means when driving fast you know exactly when to change gear and what speed you're going without looking away from the road. Simple but much appreciated!