TYPE S FOR SPORTS

Although the Type R is the Civic with the cult following, the Type S is a decent pick for those who don't need the intensity turned up to eleven at all times. Andy Enright reports

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The detailing is very neat, with a repeating triangular theme appearing on the front fog lights, exhaust pipes and rear trim. Many manufacturers have tried to combine sharp angles with rounded curves and the results haven't always been very happy. The Civic shows how it should be done. The adventurous styling doesn't stop on the outside either. Where the old car introduced a lot of new ideas when it came to packaging, the eighth generation Civic again offers a novel approach. The dashboard is designed on two levels, the main instruments housed on the nearer one with a surrounding 'tier' that includes auxiliary functions like stereo, heating, ventilation and trip meter. This sophisticated, three-dimensional feel to the fascia is backed up with quality materials and interesting textures. The Type S is fitted as standard with silver-stitched black alcantara seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel. Peer into the footwell and you'll spot a natty aluminium pedal set too.

Two model grades are offered - standard and GT. As well as the big alloys and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), the Type S is fitted with air conditioning, a cool box, remote audio controls and curtain airbags. Those who bought the old Type R will remember that air con was a costly option and many felt they had been a little hoodwinked by the car's attractive base price. No repeat this time round. The GT version of the Type S adds dual zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, cruise control, front fog lights, retractable mirrors and automatic wipers and headlamps.

Now comes the bit that may well have you scratching your head. It did for me. Although the latest Civic is significantly smaller than its predecessor on the outside, the company claims that room inside is just as generous as before. Instead of trying to understand how Honda have warped the time-space continuum, it's easier to spot the simple engineering solutions they've employed. Like the Jazz, the Civic features a fuel tank that's centrally mounted along the cross member below the front seats. This means that the seats in the rear can fold flat and there's no intrusion into the cargo bay floor. Just because you opt for a three-door model doesn't bring any penalty in luggage carrying ability, the 485 litres of loading space identical to the more family-friendly five-door car. Honda's one motion dive down seating system creates a flat loading floor.

The Civic Type S looks to be a well judged package that will likely appeal to both younger buyers who can't afford the insurance on the Type R and older customers who are turned off by its extreme image. Although it may live in the shadow of its more extreme sibling, it more than establishes a niche for itself.