The EP3 generation Civic Type R is an unassuming little thing ... Nearly 200bhp was, at launch in 2001, a crazy number to put through two front wheels alone. Two main attributes separate the ...

The Civic’s monobox ... tarmac through all four wheels. Immediately the gap between us grows, but only by half a length or so, because I’ve been holding the Honda pretty much at base camp ...

The Honda Civic Type R EP3 is reliable, affordable, and a superb modern hot hatch - here's what to look for when buying one.