HONDA'S Civic Type-R has become something of a legend among hot-hatch fans over the years.

Two years ago the latest incarnation was launched complete with a new marketing mantra ‘rawfined’.

But, despite being a quick, nimble and sporty number, hard-core Type R enthusiasts bemoaned the marginal increase in power and more ‘civilised’ ride and accommodation and demanded something a bit more ‘thrashable’.

Now, be in no doubt that the Type R is already an accomplished hot-hatch – red-lining at a howling 8,000rpm and with a slick six-speed box, firm ride and quick, direct steering, it’s a rewarding drive, particularly when utilising the revvy, two-litre normally–aspirated straight four.

It’s a three-door, five-seater, though four is more comfortable, and there’s a remarkably roomy boot (partly due to there being no spare wheel) plus fold-down rear seats, making it a surprisingly practical machine. Access to the rear is slightly awkward though there’s decent legroom once there. There’s a plethora of storage nooks and crannies and, surprisingly, the Civic is one of the few cars that has passed my camera test (a cubbyhole to store a digital SLR camera with zoom lens out of sight) twice - in the glovebox AND the between-seats cubby.

A smart dashboard with good instrumentation and chunky switchgear adds to the sporty feel, and the overall finish is of good quality in the Honda way.

But Honda is renowned for reacting to customer opinion, hence the introduction of the more hard-core ‘Championship White’ Type R.

Based on the Civic Type R GT, but in Japan’s traditional racing white, the new car benefits from 18-inch white alloys, contrasting smoke chrome finish at various points and, most importantly by far, a limited-slip differential.

This is not available on the standard Type R and allows it to put its relatively modest (by modern hot-hatch standards) 201ps onto the floor more efficiently. It’s of great benefit when pressing on through bends, the car beautifully balanced and allowing you to get your right foot down sooner, thus cutting journey times for B-road fans and lap times for track enthusiasts.

To get the most out of this machine, you do need to keep those revs up; stay above 5,000 and the fabulously roar of the in-line four will have you quickly addicted and encourage ‘spirited’ driving.

There’s a noticeable boost at around 6,000rpm as Honda’s renowned vTEC variable timing jumps in, aided by very sharp throttle response.

That LSD helps with grip, particularly when it’s very slippery, and inspires confidence as well as being a good extra safety device. That’s a good line to give your wife, anyway, when asking her permission to stump up a reasonable £21,534 for your new Type R White).

The 0-60mph sprint takes 6.6 seconds, top speed is 146mph and official combined consumption is 31mpg. I achieved what I consider a reasonable 27.3mpg over some 500 miles of testing. Emissions are 215g/km, meaning, coincidentally, £215 VED a year.