I like your old stuff better than your new stuff

Like many albums and movies, it happens more than we prefer, that the new release often leaves us leaving the theatre or searching for the original, asking ourselves “why bother?”.

I draw examples such as Oceans 12, or Charlies Angels II. While all the basic elements are present, the whole experience was always going to be diminished by its previous version. All the actors are there, Cameron Diaz still looks amazing in latex, and there is still a complicated robbery or heist in the former, but somehow the execution of the whole movie is diluted and somewhat lost in the amazing shadow of its older brother or sisters.

This type of unfortunate ‘older sibling’ syndrome happens in the car industry more than we like. Classic examples would be the VL – VN Holden Commodore, the AE93 – AE 101 Toyota Corolla, the Toyota MR2 from the SW22 to the ZZW30. (That’s the hideous excuse we were delivered in Australia with all the power of a regular washing machine spec Corolla, not the Fire breathing MR-S they have in Japan.)
While not always the case, some sequels in the car game came as a blessing and, now new owners are eagerly awaiting the next edition. Take the R32 Golf, and the Epic Skyline R32, 33, 34, 35 series we now have.

And for something completely bucking the trend, take the Mazda MX5 series. These engineers thought their first version was developed and balanced so perfectly all the new versions, with their up spec’d engines, suspension, and interior still retain the same weight, balance, poise and budget precision handling as the original.

But for me, the ultimate let down came from Honda. It was a Bruce Springsteen moment for them. I hear you questioning me already, but take this on board, America’s Rock and Roll Son, released an album called “Working On A Dream”, where he steps away from the bad boy image, we’d come to love from him. No longer was he Born in the USA with Fire and sweat, and tight leather, but stepped into a cheap suit crooning for the older ladies, and making a fast track to the retail space next to the worst sunglasses you will ever own in service stations all over the world.
Sorry, let me try and explain this a little better.

Honda, in 2001 released probably the best small hatch EVER! It was the Civic Type R, with its own chassis code EP3. It’s one of those cars that HAVE to be on anyone’s “list of cars I must own before I die”.

This thing was the 2nd coming in a line of hot hatches and Type R badges that was born out of the Honda Stable. The previous Version the EK9 was loaded with the same engine as the DC2R Integra, the B16B. It was well equipped too! With Recaro and Momo badges, helical LSD and boasted a kerb weight that the Olsen Twins would be proud of.

The EP3 is something special. Developed for the EUDM, Again with a lashings of red Recaro seats, and a Momo tiller, 17 inch rims, now with a 6 speed close ratio gear box, and the B16B’s Big Brother, the K20A. This 2 litre, i-VTEC engine is a monster, boasting a power output of 158kw at around 7600 rpm.

The face-lifted version released in 2004 received a new handling package, with up rated suspension and a steering system which makes it today, one of the best handling mass produced hot hatches on the market.

All things were leading to an epic next chapter. Honda’s marketing dept, had everyone right where they wanted us. And we waited with baited breath.

Then, the Bruce Springsteen Moment. The FN2R, the “Hamster”. While this Australian/Euro delivered piece of design garbage may have seen hairdressers running from the salon to the car yard and the baristas in trendy cafes burning milk, gawking, but it’s what’s underneath that really matters to the folks like us.

So it seems along with Hondas lack of focus on what a Type R really should be, the accounting department became car designers too. A massive no no! While they kept the gorgeous Recaros and treated the insides with great kit, they took away the handling. When your sales pitch is built around spritely handing, and high revving, angry terrier, automotive excellence, removing the rear Macpherson suspension and replacing with a torsion beam was a bad, so bad, thing to do.

I could go on, but it gets worse, and that’s just depressing.

But if you are an FN2R owner, look away now.



This is the Type R we deserved, but Japan wouldn’t let us have. This car is like your girlfriend's sexy younger sister, something you want to have but know you just can’t have. And to make it slightly elitist, they made it in only one colour, white, Championship White. It’s gorgeous.

With a 165kw engine peaking at 8500 rpm mated to yet another 6 speed close ratio box making all the loud noises, and taking care of the propulsion, partnered to four pot Brembo’s hidden behind 18” rims as standard, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza RE070’s to take care of all the “whoa” urges. While obvious misses are the lack of Recaro and Momo Badges, all the hardcore racers bits have been designed and developed by Honda. It's truly, a Honda Type R.

When this version is available for import, you’ll find me at the front of the que.

Must have.

Take care out there.