Honda CR-X: Spotted

Disgruntled at the turbocharged future of fast Hondas? Find solace in this beautiful CR-X

One day soon, and not before time, we will see the production spec Honda Civic Type R. 2015 is a big year for Honda with the arrival of both the fast Civic and a new NSX. Expectations are high given some of its previous VTEC thrillers.

You think this looks clean?

After all, it's been a long while since driving enthusiasts have had cause to get excited about a new Honda. The S2000 wasn't replaced, this damn Civic has been in development for yonks and Honda's sole sporting model at one point was the CR-Z. Ah yes, the CR-Z. It promised to be a exciting 21st century sports coupe with its funky styling and a hybrid powertrain. The result was rather unexciting and quite expensive. Hmm.

With that name, Honda's intention was clear: the CR-Z was to be a CR-X replacement. Specifically the pre-Del Sol car car with its distinctive silhouette, low mass and frenetic nature.

You may remember from when Harris wrote about a JDM CR-X what was so exciting about this little coupe. It was just so much more advanced than the European competition; we eventually became rather blase about fast Japanese stuff with engines that would spin into the stratosphere without complaint but when the CR-X arrived in the 80s it really was revolutionary (sorry, that was too good to resist).

See here!

So why discuss it again? Well this CR-X is a UK car, an unmodified one too. And when on earth did you last see one of those? It's immaculate as well, right down to the VTEC embossed leather seats. That's testament to very low mileage (58K) and what seems a very diligent current owner. In his 16 years with the car the CR-X has wanted for nothing and has been dry stored meaning it isn't afflicted by rust as so many early cars are. Moreover, it's had some recent perishable items (tyres, filters, brakes) which is always encouraging to see. It will of course need a more detailed inspection to discover whether it really is as ready-to-go as it appears.

If so it will surely be a blast. Revvy, nimble and compact, this CR-X will be one to cherish for weekends on B-roads and a sweet reminder of how enjoyable small cars with great NA engines are. It appears a little too nice to use frequently or on track but that's of course for the next owner to decide on.

For many the £9K asking price will be a stumbling block. The CR-X never sold in huge numbers over here because of a relatively high price and it arguably lacks the iconic status of its hot hatch contemporaries. The little Honda is therefore quite hard to value, especially with that low mileage. Many will rather have a 205 GTI or Golf GTI instead (the cars in the links do look very nice) but for those willing to be different there's a lot to love with the CR-X.

HONDA CR-X
Engine: 1,595cc 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 152@7,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 106@7,000rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1992
Recorded mileage: 58,281
Price new: £13,900
Yours for: £8,995