Car of the Year 2004 - Hot hatch

Winner
Honda Civic 2.0 16v Type-R
£16,000

The Civic is the consummate hot hatch of the early 21st century. It is powerful (197bhp), quick (0-60mph in 6.8sec) and sharp, but as roomy and versatile as any other three-door Civic, and it comes with airbags and anti-lock brakes.

These bald facts don’t really tell you much about the character of the car, though. The Type-R’s engine delivers peak power at 7400rpm, which means it is short of low-rev flexibility, although it will comfortably dawdle along in the high gears.

When the tachometer needle hits 6000rpm, however, there’s an extraordinary change of mood. The valve openings change to let in bigger gulps of fuel and air and the car kicks again, like a sprinter bursting towards the tape. With six closely stacked gears selected by a metal lever protruding from the dash, it’s easy to keep the car in the correct power band.

Road noise is noticeable at cruising speeds, and the ride is firm, but the Type-R turns crisply, clings well, delivers plenty of feedback through the steering wheel, and allows you to adjust your cornering attitude with wheel or throttle.

Insurance rates and fuel consumption are no worse than those of other hot hatches – and they don’t deliver anything like the Type-R’s level of involvement or satisfaction.

Highly recommended
Mini Cooper 1.6 16v 3dr
£11,705
Skoda Octavia 1.8 20v vRS estate 5dr
£15,805