1 Oct 1999
Replacing the capable luxurious Integra VTi-R in late ’99, the sensational Type R is widely considered one of the finest front-wheel drive sports cars ever made.
Charged with a high-output 141kW 1.8-litre twin-cam 16-valve VTEC engine, it could hit its 7900rpm rev limit with electrifying ease.
The Type R was lightened by 27kg and beefed up in body rigidity.
It used a lightweight large diameter exhaust system, a torque sensitive limited slip-differential, close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, true racetrack calibrated suspension, larger and more powerful brakes, and employed various improvements to the oil cooler, exhaust ports, intake manifold and pistons, to create an astonishingly involving drive.
But don’t expect much in the way of ride comfort or, thankfully, the suppression of its glorious engine noise.
An absolute true cult classic, the Mk3 is the definitive Type R, overshadowing its softer, more salubrious Mk4 successor of the same name.
Drive it hard and enjoy.
