| First Drive | Silverstone, England | 2009 Honda Civic Type-R |

The current Honda Civic Type-R hasn't been around for long but that doesn't stop Honda from making a few improvements. In response to customer demand Honda has added a third model to the sporting Civic line-up. The Type-R and Type-R GT continue in production as before but the new model, on sale from January, gains a limited-slip differential and a new colour.

In the Metal

The big news for 2009 is 'Championship White' paint for the top model. The colour was first seen on Honda's 1960's Formula 1 cars and will only be offered on Type-R models. Along with the bodywork, the 18-inch alloy wheels receive a coat of white paint. The effect could be a little overpowering but thanks to smoked chrome door handles, fuel filler and lower front grille the overall effect is rather tasteful in our eyes.

What you get for your Money

As well as the special white paint a limited-slip differential is fitted to this model. According to Honda the LSD reduces the Civic's lap time at Honda's Tsukaba racing circuit in Japan by 1.44 seconds. Other than the differential the level of standard equipment is unchanged and as generous as before. Particular highlights for the Type-R include supportive, bolstered sports seats and a metal gear lever knob. The on-the-road price for the Championship White Type-R is £20,140 with satellite navigation adding £1,400 to that figure.

Driving it

Much of what we said in our initial review of the Civic Type-R remains true of the updated version. The engine, gearbox and pedal layout are unchanged and still deserve the praise we gave them.

You don't have to go far to feel the difference bade by the limited-slip differential. Compared with the non-LSD model the white Civic does feel sharper. The improvement is most noticeable when powering through tight corners. The ride is firm though on back roads at speed it is well sorted, soaking up bumps whilst feeling well controlled. Sometimes, when you just want to cruise, it feels a little over-stiff and maybe it still isn't as sharp as the Renaultsport Mégane R26, but it is still entertaining.

Worth Noting

It feels as though the chassis could handle more power. We can only imagine that the Honda would be even better with the 222bhp engine offered in the Japanese market Civic Type-R.

The Type-R is low-geared and firmly sprung. As a result it isn't the most refined motorway car in the world. Sixth is geared for about 20mph per thousand rpm, which means about 3,500- to 4,000rpm at typical motorway speeds - it gets wearing on a long run. On the other hand it does serve as a reminder that the Civic is something special.

At the moment the only way to get a Civic with limited-slip differential is in the Championship White model. If you wanted the LSD fitted to a red Type-R you will be disappointed.

Summary

It would have been easy for Honda to confine itself to cosmetic changes for the Championship White Civic. If it had we may have questioned the value of this model. However, adding a limited-slip differential has gone at least some way towards addressing comments that the Type-R had gone a bit soft; the result is a worthwhile addition to the Civic range. Anyone interested can buy the Civic Type-R GT Championship White edition from January 2009.