Why the Honda Civic Type R is cool - Reason no. 3: its noise is unforgettable

If you're after the full-on surround-sound race-car experience, the Civic's the one.

Where the previous-shape Civic went all high-pitched and fizzy after the VTEC change at 6000rpm, the new car gives you the Dolby 5.1 Touring Car soundtrack. The VTEC changeover now happens at 5500rpm, giving you a whole 2500rpm of full-beans mayhem. Get the gearchange just right and you're bang into the sweet spot of the rev range and off on another whitewater rapid of aural excitement.

Even if the car didn't drive as well as it does, that noise would make up for a lot. However, it does drive brilliantly, which gives you even more reason to grin from ear to ear.

• To read an in-depth test on the Type R, click here.