TORQUE GT ● BLOG
Honda has always retained its very best cars for the Japanese domestic market. Europe's strict emission regulations and demand for creature comforts and softer ride quality have meant the models we've received over the years have ordinarily been watered down. Now, though, theres a whole line-up of hot JDM Hondas that can all be had for under £10k. So whether you're looking for something feisty, raw, unique, accomplished or sensible, theres a desirable Honda for everyone. Here we outline the options...
1. EK9 Civic Type R... 'The Feisty One'
The EK9 was one of the first Japanese models that made us Europeans realise that we'd been missing out. The EK4 Civic VTi already seamed a technical marvel, with its 158bhp 1.6-litre B16A2 punching well above its weight. The EK9 Type R, though, was blessed with a 182bhp 1.6-litre B16B. And with it being plumbed into a lightweight, rigid, seam-welded monocoque chassis, the Civic was like nothing we'd ever come across before. It was the ultimate hot hatch.
The rawness of the screaming B-series engine is accentuated for the driver with next to zero sound-deadening under the red carpets. The VTEC crossover feels mightily aggressive, helping to make the feisty EK9 arguably the most riotous to pilot in this line-up. When driven to redline, only the DC2 comes close.
Inside the cabin, the red Recaros and carpets add drama, as do the Momo wheel and cool metal gear knob. None of those features are unique in this company, but they help to make the ageing interior more endearing than old-hat.
Most EK9s that come into the country are finished in the iconic Championship white hue, but over the years we've sourced the full range of colours including Vogue Silver, Phoenix yellow and Flamenco Black. With enough pace to scare more glamorous turbocharged competition and pin-point handling thats hard to better, the first Civic Type R remains hugely respected among the car community.
Source your perfect EK9 via our Personal Import Service
2. DC2 Integra Type R... 'The Raw One'
The DC2 Integra is the car that established the Type R badge as a household name. The global motoring press went crazy for the low-slung Honda. In fact, many still hail it as the greatest FWD performance car ever produced. The DC2 then is probably the most respected car here outside of the Japanese car community. Its the one pedestrians will double take and the one motorists wont mess with!
Its also the model that encompasses everything that's great about VTEC running gear. For many, the B18C under the bonnet is as good as it gets. Theres a coarseness about its power delivery, a raw snarl thats simply intoxicating. The JDM version comes with more power (197bhp), largely thanks to a bigger bore exhaust system. You just cant beat a B-series engine for drama and excitement which is why the DC2 continues to be a big favourite.
The Recaro front recliners make the most of the low seating position. In fact, the Integra offers up the most engaging drive out of all the cars here. The big red H on the steering wheel lets you know you're in a Type R, while thinner glass and minimal soundproofing keep weight down and ensures you enjoy the screaming VTEC soundtrack to the full.
Handling is nothing short of stunning. Its direct and returns great feedback, filling you with confidence straight away and inviting you to push to ten tenths at every opportunity. The five-speed, LSD-equipped transmission is superb too. The gear change and ratios are short and snappy, helping you rifle through the gears with ease. Despite the interior starting to feel a little dated and unrefined, the DC2 is the option for the drivers out there.
Source your perfect DC2 via our Personal Import Service
3. JDM EP3 Civic Type R... 'The Unique One'
Its not often that Japanese car enthusiasts crave the models we receive here in the UK. Its usually the other way round and we've traditionally been the ones to pine for more hardcore JDM variations. The booming hot-hatch market in the UK during the nineties and noughties, though, saw Honda release the EP3 Civic Type R only on our shores in 2001. It was built in Swindon and proved such a success story that Honda fans in Japan wanted a slice of the action.
Instead of simply shipping an assignment of European-spec EP3s over, a special JDM version was prepared in Swindon. Inspiration was taken from the successful EK9 Type R, meaning Championship white paint and red Recaros were mandatory. More importantly, firmer suspension, a helical LSD and a 212bhp K20A engine were fitted which dramatically transformed the driving experience.
The K-series engine was built in Japan and shipped to Swindon. It boasted more aggressive cams, a balanced crank and higher compression thanks to uprated pistons. It breathed harder too due to free-flowing intake and exhaust manifolds being fitted, while a lightweight chrome-moly flywheel sharpened gear changes.
While there's nothing technically wrong with the UK EP3, the JDM version is sharper in every aspect of performance and as a result is more exhilarating to drive. Its a genuine DC5 competitor and yet remains more unique, more practical and more discreet on UK roads too.
Source your perfect EP3 via our Personal Import Service
4. DC5 Integra Type R... 'The Accomplished One'
Its hard to top perfection. The outgoing DC2 was so highly acclaimed that it was inevitably going to be difficult to better. The DC5's appeal has always been huge though in the UK, largely because it was never sold here! Matt Neal kept us wanting more by piloting a DC5 to two British Touring Car Championships in 2005 and 2006, and demand for fresh imports has been high ever since.
Honda retained the essence of the old rendition but brought it bang up to date. The clever development saw the all-new Integra advance into an altogether more accomplished performance vehicle. The overall build quality and interior refinement marked huge strides forward while the introduction of a 217bhp 2.0-litre K20A under the bonnet completed the evolution. Although not as ground-breaking as the DC2, it was the next generation Integra Type R that we all wanted to own.
Having a K-series VTEC engine beneath the skin means the DC5 has huge tuning potential. Whether you want high-revving, naturally-aspirated kicks or big-power, force-induced performance, the Integra is the perfect base car. In stock format, though, the Integra Type R is very capable too. Its not as raw or engaging as the DC2, but in reality it does everything a little bit better.
If you're after a reliable, practical, high-class daily driver that you can pound on track at weekends, it doesn't get much better than the DC5. It also has great road presence, still feels modern and with a few select chassis and breathing mods can transition into the raw drivers car that the Integra Type R has always been well nown for.
Source your perfect DC5 via our Personal Import Service
5. CL7 Accord Euro R... 'The Sensible One'
If you have a family, need loading space or simply cover big mileage, the CL7 is a no-brainer. In the UK the seventh generation Accord proved hugely popular for families and business execs alike. Its build quality, refinement, engine options and competent drive really helped Honda rival its German competition. But the CL9 Type S we received in the UK was a long way off the much loved outgoing CH1 Accord Type R. The 2.4-litre K24 under the bonnet was silky-smooth but lacked punch. The Japanese Euro R, though, was much tastier.
The hot JDM version benefits from a livelier 2.0-litre K-series (K20A) engine. Producing 217bhp at 8000rpm and with an LSD in place, the Accord is somewhat unrecognisable compared to its UK counterpart. Its a similar setup to that found in the DC5, which really brings the four-door saloon to life.
Inside, Recaro seats bring a sense of occasion to the drive. They're ultra-comfy but provide the kind of snug support that makes you realise you're behind the wheel of something rather special. When you want to have some fun and you decide to keep your toe in, the K20A opens up with real urgency at VTEC. The fabled RBC intake manifold flows huge amounts of air, helping the block fill its lungs, speeding up acceleration in the process.
The reworked suspension helps the Euro R feel more nimble in the corners too, particularly with changes of direction. Both the engine and chassis though are ripe for tuning and very little is required to make the Accord even more formidable. The beauty of the CL7 though is how it allows you to fly completely under the radar if you so wish. Unlike most Japanese performance models, its styling is more classy than aggressive.
Source your perfect CL7 via our Personal Import Service
If you have an extra couple of grand to invest, you'll also be able to bag yourself an FD2 Civic Type R. The FD2 was deemed too hardcore for UK roads so was never sold here. In reality, the ride is pretty comfy by todays standards, while the focussed nature of the Civic means its about as close as you can get to a modern DC2 Integra Type R. Feel free to get in touch if you'd like to know more.