Honda, all is forgiven. We take everything back. The CR-Z, the Mk2 Insight, taking ages with the Civic Type R and the NSX, it's now disregarded and overlooked.
Why? Because it's bringing the estate back to the BTCC. Yes, really. The Honda Yuasa Racing Team will campaign Civic Tourer-based machines in 2014, the first team since Volvo if memory serves. There's only a rendering at present, but doesn't it just look brilliant (and a little barmy?).
Moreover, with the success of the Civic hatch in the BTCC, it would be a brave speculator who bet against the Tourer taking a few victories. The current car has won the all three BTCC titles (for drivers, teams and constructors) in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
The Honda Yuasa team will continue with Matt Neal and Gordon Shedden as its drivers. The latter commented he was 'really looking forward to the challenge of next season, and to seeing what the Tourer can do on race day'. You and us both Gordon!
According to Team Manager Peter Crolla, there is absolutely no compromise in running the estate over the hatch: 'The weight, wheelbase, layout and suspension remain the same' he said. Of course there's some extra length though, which could make it rather susceptible to nudges from behind...
BTCC 2014 testing begins in January, so there should be full images of the Civic Tourer racer released before then. The season gets underway at Brands Hatch on 29/30 March. Oh, and roadgoing Civic Tourers are available to order from Honda next week. If you're interested.