IT'S FAST without being ferocious, flash but far from brash.
In other words, the Type-R, high-performance version of Honda's Civic ought to be the perfect compromise for anyone looking for sports-car dynamics without having to sacrifice too much practicality.
There's certainly nothing wishy-washy about this smart-looking three-door. You can't complain about its 146mph top speed and it's twice as fast off its marks than many smaller-engined hatchbacks, reaching 62mph from standstill in just 6.6 seconds.
It looks the part, too. Low-slung, with a wide track and fat tyres, its sills, spoilers, alloys and decals all hint at the abilities of the power plant under the bonnet without slipping into boy-racer aggression.
The sporting pretensions are echoed inside with white instrument panels, an aluminium-effect gearknob and supportive racing-car inspired seats.
Honda's engine technology is second to none, so it comes as no surprise that the 200PS two-litre engine is smooth and responsive, pulling well at all speeds thanks to a close-ratio six-speed gearbox with the stick handily mounted on the fascia.
The six-speed box has a double benefit, because as well as giving you plenty of oomph for mid-range acceleration when you need it, it also ensures that with judicious gear-changing you can achieve pretty good economy too, topping the 40mpg mark out of town.
Advantages of the Civic Type-R over other sports cars are its spacious interior and comfortable sitting position, making it a real option for family drivers who need room in the back for the kids and don't like contorting themselves into awkward cabins.
But if variable valve control helps deliver tremendous engine flexibility and blistering output, translating that sportier performance into effortless handling isn't quite so successful.
The suspension has been stiffened to enhance the tautness and precision of this flagship model, but the extra rigidity won't suit everyone.
The ride itself is not too unforgiving - this is not one of those sports cars which translates even the tiniest ridge on the road's surface straight to the wheel.
But it does take concentration to keep the Type-R on course - and a tighter grip on the wheel than many drivers favour in these days of fingertip-light power steering.
Like many sportier models, the Type-R is slightly harder to manoeuvre at lower speeds and on long journeys puts a little more pressure on the wrists than you may be used to, precisely because the steering is so responsive.
Nonetheless, sporting enthusiasts may be tempted by the fact that £16,000 is not an extortionate price for this sort of pulling power, especially when it's packaged in such a practical way.
The Civic interior boasts plenty of storage spaces and good legroom for its size - and of course for anyone not too bothered about scorching up the motorway, there's nothing lacklustre about the smaller-engined hatches in the range, which start at £10,000 and boast quite acceptable performance for most driving conditions.
Honda's Type-R derivatives have established a firm following among those who enjoy an exhilarating drive, and appear to get the thumbs-up from image-conscious teenagers too - allowing dad to slip behind the wheel of a sporty little number without shelling out supercar prices.
FAST FACTS
Honda Civic Type-R
Price: £16,013
Mechanical: 200bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 146mph
0-62mph: 6.6 secs
Combined mpg: 31.7
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 212g/km
BiK rating: 28%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 90,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust