Honda Civic Type-R (Parallel Imported)

In stock condition, this is probably the quickest NA around the market. The FC is amazing for a car that Rev mostly in the 5k region.

Suspension is hard but this is probably the only car that I have not changed a set of coil overs due to the original height and hardness.

In terms of a Jap car, the features are quite standard except that when compared to its peers, the interior fittings feels much better. The FD2R does not have any form of luxury features as this is a R and Honda tries to bring the weights down.

Insulation is bad, with a after market exhaust even a 5K hifi does not seem to work! So if you are thinking of spending $$$ on ICE in this car, DUN WASTE your $$$$, use the $$$ for a tune up instead.

The handling for this car is precise and meant for "dummies". Easy to drive and predictable.

Some things you need to look out for:-

1) The third Gear, can be ticky when you engage

2) The Clutch.... The sound is something that you will never be able to get rid off, similar to the CL7r

My previous ride was a CL7r, in terms of space it is surprisingly similar, thanks to the flat bottom rear. Although they use the same engine, the Cl7r is a "executive" car that rides with comfort. The CTR is a "handler" that is quicker and "rocks" on roads.

Stock to stock the CL7r will not outrun the CTR as the latter is lighter and has a higher Final Drive. but both are great dream Japanese NA cars.

Reliability is great like all the Hondas that I have driven, engine is "bullet prove" and had never experience a time when any of the K20a engine failed on me.

Good luck in your hunt. This is a no regret car if really like stiff suspensions!

I test drove this car recently and is expectedly good. I feel in love with its legendary look and is every honda fan car.

Comfort is rather poor if you're looking for a ride that can comfortably bring you from A to B where you'll fetch your wife and kids and then go to C for dinner and back to A as suspension is rock-solid. Turning radius is also huge compared to peers. Makes you seem like a lousy driver at U-turns.

Reliability is good. However, be ready for for a cacophony of little creaks about half a year into the car as the suspension rattles everything as you tackle the daily drive.

Handling is a dream. Sweet, precise and stable.

Styling is beautiful with the right curves at the right places. Nose of FD2R is chiselled and looks decidedly fast. However, sharing the same platform with normal civics means you'll see lots of identical-looking siblings on the road. You'll think Honda gave all civics red badges.

Interior is typically Japanese. However, it's all functional and all displays are driver-focused, pushing you to drive the car hard.

Features are average. No dual zone aircon, only 2 airbags, rear seats cannot be folded for additional storage. However, if you're looking for all these, you're already looking at the wrong car.

Value-for-money is average at best. Given the car prices at point of writing, might as well get the continental ride that you've been dreaming of ever since you left school. So much of your hard-earned cash for a stick drive and 225 PS means you'll only be the first in line at the traffic lights while the rest play catch-up and wait for the lights to change. However, if you do track, then add one more star :)

Engine is high revving and sweet. Aural pleasure when past the magical number of 5,800 makes you forget the premium you plurged on the car and the other things in life that you might have to give up/delay to own this beast of a NA machine.

The power of dreams.. brought into reality.

- Design and Handling is Superb.

- Engine Extremely Responsive.

- Undercarriage is Track Ready.

- Lots of AfterMarket Products.

- Every Honda Fan Dream Car.

When decelerating from high speed, releasing the clutch causing the engine stop working. The whole engine unit needs replacement due to engine failure. No modification on my vehicle ever performed.

225PS for everyday use, definitely good enough! Handling and cornering for this car is superb!

FC is incredible for such powerful car.

NA car with maximum of 165kW (225PS) is too powerful. CTR is ready for tacking. If you are looking for NA sport car going for track, CTR is a right choice.

Drives like a dream!