Honda is hoping that an improved version of the Civic Type S will work the same magic in the five-door category that the Type-R has worked in the three-door sector.

Honda Civic Type S

The flagship Civic five-door Type S (VSA), which goes on sale on May 1, gains Vehicle Stability Assist for improved handling as well as several other dynamic attributes. This includes bigger (16 in) wheels shod with wider 205/55-Series tyres and correspondingly bigger ventilated front brake discs. Other changes include a closer-ratio gearbox with "shorter" fourth and fifth ratios to benefit acceleration.

Vehicle Stability Assist is designed to counteract understeer and oversteer tendencies through a combination of individual wheel braking and engine torque reduction.

As previously, the 2.0-litre Type S boasts a high level of standard equipment, with climate control, half-leather trim, leather-trimmed steering wheel, front foglights, CAT 1 Alarm, CD RDS Radio with remote audio controls, 3D blackout instrument dials and electrically adjusted/ heated door mirrors incorporating side indicator repeaters. Priced at £15,513 (£500 more than the outgoing non VSA model) the Civic Type S (VSA) represents even better value than its predecessor. The model is also available with factory-fitted satellite navigation (£1,200), even larger 17-inch wheels (£600) and the wide range of accessories available on the rest of the Civic range.