When it comes to reliable hatchbacks, the Honda Civic really is one of the best. That stays true with the Type R versions, especially early ones like the EK9. RELATED: 10 Things Gearheads Should
The EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8 such as omission of sound deadening and other weight reduction measures, a hand-ported 1.6-litre DOHC VTEC B16B 4-cylinder engine, front-helical limited-slip differential and a close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission.
The very first Honda Civic Type R was launched on the EK9 platform on August 19, 1997. The 1.6-liter B16B engine was naturally aspirated, but still managed to churn out 182 horsepower, making .