It looks the part too – clean, yet sharp and aggressive. The rear wing isn’t just for show, either: it’s proper, functioning aero to reduce lift. And inside, the DC5 feels special, with Recaro seats, a Momo leather wheel and polished aluminium for the pedals and gearstick. 

It has a six-speed manual gearbox. Like all Type Rs, the shift is precise and satisfying, which is good because you’ll be using it a lot. With a 0-60mph time of around 6.5sec and a top speed of 148mph, the DC5 can easily take on most hot hatches and it’ll run rings around its predecessor.

Reliability is bulletproof too, so don’t be afraid to lean on it, because the DC5 Type R was designed to be driven hard. 

Honda sold 12,247 of these in Japan, so there are still a fair few going around, but far from an infinite number. Examples in good nick and with fewer than 100,000 miles on the clock aren’t getting any cheaper, either. So if you’re tempted, don’t delay.

What we said then

26 September 2001: “Not as madcap as the car it replaces, but still a quick and desirable package. Lobby your Honda dealer to import one.”

An expert’s view

Simon Clarke, Midland Honda Services: “The DC5 is the evolution of the DC2. Everything they should have done with the DC2 they’ve done with the DC5: slightly bigger engine, better suspension. They’re great to drive. You can set them up to handle like a go-kart. 

“They’ve got massive amounts of mechanical grip if they’re set up properly. Bulletproof reliability. Great investment. Parts for them aren’t too easy to get because they are an import, after all. The last ones were produced back in 2005 and 2006, so it hasn’t been made for a while. But there are a lot of aftermarket parts available for them and many of the parts will cross over from the EP3 [Civic Type R].”

Buyer beware

Engine: Due to its age, the Integra Type R is becoming increasingly prone to perished engine mounts. There are plenty of different replacement options to choose from, depending on how rigid you want the mounts to be.