In Type R form, the Civic is well equipped but doesn’t get as much kit as cheaper mainstream models. You get climate control, four electric windows, DAB radio, a rear parking camera and a touchscreen control system with internet connectivity, but some buyers may expect convenience items such as automatic headlights and wipers for this kind of money.

This is exclusively for the hot Civic Type R. While 316bhp is not class-leading, and neither is the 0-62mph sprint of 5.7sec, don’t for a second think that the Civic Type R’s a slouch. The standard limited-slip differential does a top job of putting the power down, even if being front-wheel drive means it’s a tad slower off the mark than four-wheel-drive rivals. The six-speed manual gearbox is blessed with one of the sweetest changes going.