Type R is not a particularly well-known moniker amongst South African enthusiasts, probably because we only got our first taste of the hot Honda badge when the third generation Civic Type R (FN2) made its debut in South Africa in 2007. CAR sampled the first (DC2) Integra Type R for the January 1999 issue though, and the test team were left thoroughly impressed.
The Integra Type R was finished in Honda’s traditional racing white, along with its multi-spoke 15-inch wheels. The extroverted exterior was matched by the Type R’s high-revving, normally aspirated four-cylinder motor, which produced 140 kW at 8 000 r/min and 178 N.m of torque. The 0-100 km/h sprint was recorded in 7,88 seconds and the Integra Type R went on to a 228 km/h top speed.