But even better is the fact that this latest Type R actually looks like a proper hot hatch. Gone are the rather MPV-like looks of the previous generation car, replaced by a futuristic, dynamic looking three-door bodyshell which looks like it's leapt off the pages of a Dan Dare comic.

The car's boasts sculpted side skirts, a deeper front spoiler and seven-spoke 18-inch alloys, which sit snuggly under the wheelarches. It's light too, so the Type R still clocks up an impressive 6.6 seconds 0-62mph time despite no major increase in power.

The standard car's clear plastic nose has been replaced, though, by a meaner black mesh honeycomb version while the curving rear glass now boasts a bigger rear spoiler from its centre - which fails miserably on a safety point of view, blocking almost every trace of rearward vision, but does add considerably to the Type R's visual appeal.

Those dramatic looks continue on the inside where dashboard designers have let rip with a swathe of curves and sweeps. A fantastic ball-shaped aluminium gearknob falls easily to hand - while just in front an engraved plaque with the car's serial number adds to the Type R's special feel. Central to the driver's vision, though, is a mighty rev counter which charts the Type R's rapid progress.

The Honda feels outstandingly well built, and its slickness of controls, the perfectly weighted steering and race-car-like gearchange make the Type R into a car that gives you a buzz every time you turn the key and press the red starter button.

The engineers have worked hard to contain any wheelspin and ride quality is good considering the car's sporting agenda - in fact the Type R feels by far the purest and most driver-focused of the new breed of super hot hatch - and that includes the excellent Volkswagen Golf GTi.

More good news is that the Type R has also kept the useful day-to-day stuff from the rest of the Civic range, like its fold-flat rear seats and big 485-litre boot. So as well as a blistering fun machine you'll also own an eminently practical one too.

Which Type R you'll choose - there is also a GT version - depends on your budget. But bear in mind an extra ??1,000 on top of the standard car's ??17,627 list price gets you the vital climate control and category one alarm that the cheaper car crucially lacks.

In addition the GT adds cruise control and front and rear curtain airbags. Whichever version, buyers will still be getting a bit of a bargain compared to the ??20,360 Golf or ??19,595 Seat Leon Cupra.

They will also be getting a machine that has been lovingly crafted right from inception - not only by Honda's in-house design team but also by Type R fans themselves, a group of who were invited to Honda's UK headquarters three years ago for a consultation meeting about the next generation car. - Neil Greenfield

HONDA CIVIC TYPE R GT - from ??18,627 otr

Engine: 2.0 litre i-VTEC

Max power: 198bhp at 7,800rpm and 193Nm torque at 5,600rpm

PERFORMANCE:

0-62mph - 6.6 seconds

Max speed - 146mph

ECONOMY: 31mpg combined

CO2 emissions/TAX %: 215/30%

INSURANCE GROUP: 17

STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Front, side and curtain airbags; dual-zone climate control; 17-inch alloys; vehicle stability assist; twin chrome exhaust; electric windows

Source: [url=http://www.islingtongazette.co.uk/content/islington/gazette/Motors/story.aspx?brand=ISLGOnline&category=CarReviews&tB rand=islgonline&tCategory=CarReviews&itemid=WeED02 %20Aug%202007%2017%3A22%3A56%3A323]Islington Gazette[/url]