The Honda Civic Type R is imminent – it’s due here any moment but don’t go thinking this Sport we have on test is anything but a lukewarm, if not cold, alternative.

If you you like your hatchback’s hot then stick your money in the bank and wait for the 2.0 turbo version. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since the last generation model was in the UK.

It’s Bank Holiday Monday and I’ve just driven back from London across the Cotswolds on a surprisingly quiet road – just right for a ‘sports’ car. Just not the Civic Sport!

Aesthetically, this new model does look the part but that’s the end of it. This Civic simply doesn’t have the performance, handling or sharpness to be credited as a sporty car…