Had the chance to spend some time in the new CTR this morning at my local dealers. Got invited back to see it by the Head Tech. Car was unregistered, in Silver.

It looks great. It's compact from the outside but spacious inside. 18 inch wheels looked good, with red Honda crests. This one had a subbtle body kit, front splitter, side skirts, and looked spot on - sporty without being "in yer face" chavvy.

Seats were superb - grippy, comfortable, adjustable. In fact, the car was a very nice place to be in. Everything inside takes second place to the dash, though. This is impressive enough in the standard car but on the Type R it bears a more than passing resemblance to the starship Enterprise. It has change up lights on the upper dash, as well as an illuminated Type R logo. The drawback (esp coming from an S2000) is that there are lots of places to look. Gear change was slick and short, but not as good as the S. Pedals were better placed, though - the brake and throttle being closer and on a similar level, so it is easier to blip the throttle when braking.

With red ambient lighting, dual zone climate, switchable VSA, MP3 connection fitted mats, etc, this was an impressive package.

Engine looked more compact than the S2K's and ran quietly, with the usual ticking from the injectors. No opportunity to drive it yet, as it was unregistered, but got an invite to pop back for a blast when it's on the road.

The dual floor boot is practical and makes for an impressive load capacity. (Sorry - went all What Car there for a minute!)

This is a more hi-tech package than the Golf GTi, with more innovations and tricks. I wouldn't mind finding myself heading for one in the car park after work, but I don't think I'll be trading an S2000 for one!!

Hope this was of interest.

 

Hopefully, one can see better out of the 3-door; over the shoulder visibility in the 5-door is dangerous.

The overdone instruments do work quite well, in a HUD fashion.

The driving position is truly superb & fully adjustable, tunnel-vision notwithstanding.

Thing that irks me is the unnecessary duplication of econometers (in the Diesel) & buttons on the wheel & dash for stereo controls. Yet you can't cancel traffic announcements, apart from hitting a tiny pimple in the middle of the dash! Lunacy!

I can't help feeling that (see another thread!) if it lost the bodykit & was called the VTi, the CTR might be a very reasonable package.

 

I really think it's the worst looking dash that I have ever seen. Too much plastic.

In what way?

The engine is older, the rear suspension is old technology, I'm not sure it 'cuts the mustard'.

I hate to be negative about it, but I am very disappointed.

 

dunno, a 2l turbo engine producing about 200 hp doesn't look all that 'modern' in my opinion.....just rehashing an old design

 

What is this line referencing?

 

the one above mine ?

 

I'm lost - maybe its a bottle of wine to blame.

Let me be straight. What car are you referring to when you say 2l turbo?

Don't answer too quickly, I`m off to get another beer.

 

Easy does it.....

 

and which 2.0 engine has just one Engine of the Year?

 

Close but no cigar...
http://www.ukintpress.com/engineoftheyear/...rs/bestnew.html