EK9 Civic Type-R

There are many hot hatches that gain iconic status. Renault have had a fair few: Clio Trophy, Clio Williams, Megane R26R... Peugeot - although they've lost their way recently - can count their 106 Rallye, 205 GTi and 306 GTi-6 amongst their icons. Honda have arguably the most celebrated of all though, in the shape of the EK9 Civic Type-R.

Now, those who aren't in the know, won't necessarily recognise the name, or indeed shape of this car. The Civic Type-R wasn't available in our country until 2001, when the EP3 was introduced. The success of this car was huge, and we also got its replacement, the FN2, in 2007. The EK9 though, was only available if you went to a specialist importer and shipped it over from Japan.

The EK9 passed under the radar of many motoring publications for this reason. Sure, you'd have had to have been an optimistic person to have bought an EK9 in the first place. I mean, spending thousands on a car that's in a different continent, and then having to go through the rigmarole of getting it to the UK before even thinking of insurance costs would (and did) put many people off.

So why now then, does the mere mention of an EK9 make people go weak at the knees?

It's hard to see at first. To most people, this is a white Honda Civic, an old Honda Civic, with an overly large spoiler and red seats. However, there's something truly unique with the EK9, a mythical aura surrounding it after so many unofficial reviews and opinions from the JDM lovers in our country.

If you'd have asked me what my favourite hot hatch was, I'd have struggled to choose between the Clio Trophy, 106 Rallye, Ford Focus RS, and of course the EK9. With the first three though, I'd been exposed to these for some time now, but yet the EK9 craving has no reasoning. Why? I've never really been near one, all I've heard is the Internet gossip about its wonderful V-Tec engine, and apparently sublime handling. My, this car's got a lot to live up to.

There is that mythical feel when you're approaching it, due to its reputation. It looks amazing, but then again its looks aren't for everyone. It's dated now, inevitably so given it was first made in 1997. But as far as 14 year old cars go, the shape's still very cohesive. The Type-R treatment's typically there, with many decals and the red front and rear Honda 'H'. Open the door, and you're greeted by a visual punch in the face with well, let's say a vibrant colour scheme in its interior. Red cloth is used on the door casings, there are red carpets, red floor mats, and a rather racy pair of red Recaro seats.

They're very supportive seats too, particularly so around the ribs. The steering wheel's emblazoned with a bright red 'H', but it's quite a big steering wheel which isn't the best of things. The aluminium gearknob's cold to the touch but of a perfect size. On the whole, the interior strikes the right tone then. I'm a firm believer that a hot hatch should be visually striking and the EK9 most certainly achieves this both inside and out.

Twist the key, and the engine fires into life. It sounds pretty normal on tickover, and the noise is only exaggerated by this car's Spoon N1 exhaust. However, this engine most certainly isn't a normal one, as it's arguably one of the finest naturally aspirated engines ever created. From a humble 1.6 litre, the EK9 manages to produce 185bhp. Yes, 185bhp from a 1.6, without the aid of a turbo or a supercharger. It's a huge accomplishment, even more so when you think of how far engine design and technology has progressed. This was 14 years ago. You really cannot understand how far ahead of its time the B16B EK9 engine was. It was also one that had the ability to rev to 8500rpm.

The mythical aura continues when you're driving as well. It's that feeling that to many people, you're driving a normal Civic that I love. To those in the know, you're in one of the all time greats. In a way, it reminds me of my 106 Rallye in that respect; you're at the wheel of a true, rare icon. The close ratio gearbox is a joy to use, and it's precise and direct, as is the steering.

Sure, there's not much in the way of torque, but to be honest you don't buy a Type-R if you're a lazy driver. It craves to be in the V-Tec zone (peak power is produced at 8300rpm), and loves being above 6000rpm. And the first time you enter that zone in second gear, it's something that'll stay with you for the rest of your life. I know it's only a Civic Type-R when all's said and done, but you either get this car or you don't. You either love its looks or you hate them, but nobody can deny the way it drives.

Second and third gears are strong, and that close ratio 'box is such a benefit in executing fast starts. The EK9 only weighs 1090kg (same as a Clio Trophy) but it's that gearbox that helps the EK9 have a superior 0-60mph time, which is rumoured to be under six seconds. The 'Race Base' EK9 managed the sprint in 5.7 seconds, so it's undoubtedly a very quick car; much quicker than the new Civic Type-R.

With every great hot hatch, there's a sense of supreme turn-in and directness from the front end. Because it's front wheel drive, it means it's an easy car to drive fast. The rear's playful but never unpredictable, and the front end grip is extraordinary. The cliche of 'handles like it's on rails' is over-used, but the EK9 is so alert, so sharp, and so sure-footed your confidence in its ability is sky high. It's flustered by nothing you throw at it.

Why the British motoring press never really picked up on the EK9 is a huge mystery to me. It's up there with the Clio Trophy without a doubt; similar power, similar weight, extremely similar handling traits. However, there's just something about the EK9 that entices you more than any other hot hatch I've ever been in. It's certainly not for everyone; the banzai engine is unbelievably good in my eyes but to others, the 8300rpm peak power characteristic could get tiresome if you're not in the mood, and because there's very little torque lower down, it's not the most user-friendly engine. But if you're a true enthusiast who wants a lightweight, nimble, powerful hot hatch with sublime handling, the EK9 is the best companion you could ever have.