There’s absolutely no way a front-wheel-drive coupe should be this much fun. Get that engine revving and it’s going to haul you along, but not in a modern hot hatch batsh** way, and absolutely pierce the ears through the higher limits. The steering, delivered through a deliciously late-90s wheel, is quite exquisite, communicating all you need to know as the front somehow manages to do everything it’s asked with aplomb. Hustle this little piece of Honda heritage through some twisty stuff and the whole car comes alive, the front gripping up on turn in and the rear eager to join in with an encouraging lift. The slide is always in control though, with that excellent steering almost telepathically linking to you, it’s probably because the chassis is so good I can’t think of any way to describe it other than blinding.
That screaming motor is controlled by a transmission with a slight aftermarket feel. Which isn’t a description born of dislike. The ‘box is excellent, coupled with pedals that are positioned in near heel’n’toe heaven. It’s the stick itself that feels very un-factory. It feels like something you added in to make everything a bit better than Honda could manage themselves. But, of course that’s not the case, the stunning metal knob is a standard piece of kit, and feels so perfect in your hand it might as well have been machined from a mould. The slot from ratio to ratio is short and satisfying, rewarding you with a gentle snick through the gate and the feeling of accomplishment that any well-slotted manual brings.