In four short years, the Civic Type-R has achieved near cult status among British fast car enthusiasts. Not only has it been hugely commercially successful, selling almost 18,000 units since launch, but almost single handedly the hotshot Civic (or CTR as it’s known to aficionados) has helped change the image of Honda in Britain.

The Civic Type-R has become the epitome of fast, cool and trendy transport for urban sophisticates – bestowing a racy image on its young and youthful owners. Now, in its final year, the Civic Type-R gets its richest most desirable specification yet – ending its reign with a flourish, not a falter.

The latest models will be identifiable with rear ‘privacy’ glass for the rear side windows and tailgate. Red carpets adorn the cabin, plus genuine Recaro seats and Momo steering wheel, replacing the standard Honda items fitted previously.

In other respects, the ‘final’ seventh generation Civic Type-R is the model we know and love. Swindon’s finest hot hatch serves up a heady mix of 200-horsepower thrills, kart-like handling …plus an uncompromisingly firm ride!

The latest model benefits from a raft of revisions introduced last year. These include a lightened flywheel (shaving 0.2 sec from the 0-62 mph time), new front and rear light clusters, revised bumpers and Accord-style door-mounted indicator repeaters.

Available in the standard four Type-R colours, Cosmic Grey, Nighthawk Black, Satin Silver and Milano Red, the latest Civic Type-R is priced at L16,950 on the road, or L17,950 with air conditioning.