SON of a gun, it's the Honda Civic Type S.
Taking styling details from its big brother Type R, the Civic Type S is a chip off the old block which delivers more affordable ownership with lower tax, insurance and better economy.
Like all sporting versions of the Civic, the Type S has a different sporty suspension in its three-door shape but its smaller engine is still a delight to extend even if it lacks the ultimate power of its beefier R version.
The 1.4-litre engine is a very smooth, willing and fairly quiet unit and it comes with a choice of six-speed manual or the Honda created semi-automatic i-shift, as on this car.
The refinement of the engine is not matched by that of the i-shift. In automatic mode it was slow, jerky and often indecisive, and I found it better to use the column mounted paddles to change up or down for smoother progress. Whether or not it actually made much difference is debatable but at least it felt smoother.
The lack of smoothness from the automatic box was thrown into relief by the precision of the Type S steering and brakes. It was well weighted at the wheel, turned in sharply and gave good feedback about where the wheels were pointing while the brakes needed only modest pressure underfoot to bring about a well controlled and rapid deceleration. The handbrake also holds well on slopes.
Secondary controls are all close to hand around the driver and column and work well and many commented on the blue-lit instruments and their clarity even if the main instruments look cluttered at first sight.
Heating and ventilation is very effective throughout the cabin and the system works quietly and responds quickly to changes. Powered windows back it up.
Oddments room is on the tight side in the front or back and the nominal boot space is 485 litres, rising to maximum 1,352 litres but there is a high sill over which to lift heavy items and drop into the compartment.
The Civic Type S is a four seater but the front seat maximum legroom is restricted for tall users and the back seats' headroom is compromised by the coupe styling. You can adjust the column fairly well but only those of average height could really feel at home in the car.
The bid doors open wide but lifting the front seats forward and resetting them again is fiddly. The seats are fairly well shaped and very supporting in the front, and locate occupants well in the back.
Visibility for the driver is good in front and sides but very poor over the shoulder and when reversing. The Type S window wing also cuts straight across the line of sight through the mirror to further restrict vision.
There are good wipers to the front and reasonable lights but road dirt builds up on the back glass and I would like more far reaching headlights on main beam.
The firmness of the suspension is immediately apparent but it's not really hard until you hit big potholes or bumps when it will crash about. On most roads it is reasonable for a sporting coupe.
Road-holding and handling is good with the power available. There is a tendency to run wide on corners but it is all very easily and well controlled and it did not suffer from strong cross winds.
Noise levels are also low with road rumbles, bumps and thumps being the most prevalent. The engine produces a delightful note when pushed.
The Honda Civic Type S is a welcome addition to the range and it has visual appeal as a look-a-like to the pocket rocket Type R but it cannot compete in performance terms with its big brother. With Honda's legendary build quality you can be sure it will outlast most rivals in its sector and raise fewer complaints as well.
Except, perhaps, about that disappointing i-shift.
FAST FACTS
Honda Civic 1.4i V TEC Type S 3dr auto
Price: £14,950
Mechanical: 100ps, 1,399cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 110mph
0-62mph: 15 seconds
Combined mpg: 49.6
Insurance group: 5
C02 emissions: 132g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000