ShAwNeX
23-08-2007, 08:44 AM
http://www.honda.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/internet/honda.com.au/home/news/hondas+automotive+sculpture+wins+hot+hatch+award
LONDON -- Finesse has beaten brute force as Honda’s Civic Type R out-shone its beefier, turbo-charged rivals to be named Best Hot Hatch by UK magazine Auto Express.
The Civic Type R pipped competition from Renault, Ford, Vauxhall and Mini to take the title in this year’s Auto Express New Car Honours list.
Auto Express said: “So what made it a winner? Well, despite being down on power compared to its big-hitting rivals – its 2.0-litre VTEC-assisted engine produces 198bhp (148kW) – it’s the way in which the Civic deploys it that impresses. Finesse has always been a Honda trait and once again, the Type R displays a level of delicacy that none of its rivals can match. The Civic is a car that shrinks around you, and like all great hot hatches, responds directly and faithfully to every input. Yes, there are quicker alternatives with more power and better acceleration figures. But in terms of real-world appeal and, more importantly, driver feedback, the Type R stands head and shoulders above its rivals.
“The Civic also scores in the design stakes, too – it could almost be described as automotive sculpture. A worthy winner of this year’s title.”
Honda Australia imports 1200 Civic Type Rs a year from Honda UK’s manufacturing plant in Swindon. The three-door hatchback gets 148kW from its 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine and retails from a recommended retail price of $39,990.
LONDON -- Finesse has beaten brute force as Honda’s Civic Type R out-shone its beefier, turbo-charged rivals to be named Best Hot Hatch by UK magazine Auto Express.
The Civic Type R pipped competition from Renault, Ford, Vauxhall and Mini to take the title in this year’s Auto Express New Car Honours list.
Auto Express said: “So what made it a winner? Well, despite being down on power compared to its big-hitting rivals – its 2.0-litre VTEC-assisted engine produces 198bhp (148kW) – it’s the way in which the Civic deploys it that impresses. Finesse has always been a Honda trait and once again, the Type R displays a level of delicacy that none of its rivals can match. The Civic is a car that shrinks around you, and like all great hot hatches, responds directly and faithfully to every input. Yes, there are quicker alternatives with more power and better acceleration figures. But in terms of real-world appeal and, more importantly, driver feedback, the Type R stands head and shoulders above its rivals.
“The Civic also scores in the design stakes, too – it could almost be described as automotive sculpture. A worthy winner of this year’s title.”
Honda Australia imports 1200 Civic Type Rs a year from Honda UK’s manufacturing plant in Swindon. The three-door hatchback gets 148kW from its 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine and retails from a recommended retail price of $39,990.