I had the pleasure of purchasing a brand new 2004 model Honda Civic Type R in April this year(2004) I don't think I've stopped grinning yet. :-)
GOOD The power, performance, and handling of this car more than matches the wonderful reviews this car has received by the UK's motoring press. The seats are wonderfully comfortable, and combined with the hard sports suspension are really needed. The controls are all in easy reach, which is again helpful at high speed, especially the interestingly placed gearbox control. Once you get used to it, you will love it and find it hard to leave it alone. Drop a couple of gears and hear the 200PS iV-TEC roar! The 6 speed box, is incredible, the change is precise, short, and makes a quality "click" when the new gear is engaged.
The modifications made to the 2004 model, are minor, but make a dramatic difference. Side indicator repeaters have been moved to the wing mirrors, which makes the car look sleeker side on. Light clusters (front and back) have both been upgraded, and look miles better than the original ones. The new colour (Cosmic Grey Pearl) will also make your 2004 model stand out from the original model cars.
My Honda Dealer also provided me with a free Drivers Appreciation Day, which normally costs about £300. This is a full day of driving instruction from a fully qualified ex-police driver. Mine was a real eye-opener and a nice little touch.
BAD I've not yet seen the quoted 31.7mpg average fuel consumption, even tho I do spend more miles than I would like on the motorway (at reasonable speeds) My dealer informed me that the engine would be "tight" for the first 1000 miles or so, but i've not seen any improvement in the second 2000's either.
The drivers seat back is fixed, which although increases stability does not allow entry to the rear seats from the drivers side.
Noise. Road noise is louder than your normal car, which if you ever get fed up of the sound of the engine, will get on your nerves.
OVERALL This is quite simply the best hot hatch i have driven, and i've driven a few. The negative points i've mentioned, are minor when compared to the driving experience this car gives you. And to be honest, if you bothered about fuel consumption, noise or letting people in and out of the rear seats then this is not the car for you.
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