Like many other Australian 'Type R' fans/owners....I was extremely dissappointed that Honda Australia had imported a rebadged RS-X 'Type S' and tried to pass it off as a ITR. Mr.Honda. The lovely 162kW engine, 17" wheels, suspension and Brembo brake package....all missing!

My state of mind, has changed slightly (but not enough to upgrade)....having driven the said car.

I went to my local Honda dealership with my girlfriend on Saturday (8th September), to checkout the new ITR (I had seen it the previous week, but it had not been officially released) and to take it 'for a spin'.

The model they had, was in the lovely new shade of metallic blue and combined with the blue Recaros seats....it looked bloody horny!? I certainly think, the new model looks best in either white or blue and not red (like I have in out-going model).

As I am good friends with the salesman (he's about the same age as me) and that I am an priority customer (due to me getting my ITR serviced there, roughly every 2 months)....he offered to open the big glass doors of the dealership and take us for a drive.

Note: This particular car had only 97 kms (~60 mls) on the clock, so I can not judge the engine fully....until I drive one that has been 'run in' and I can 'rev the t*ts' off it!

First impressions are that it is much more refined/quiet, than the outgoing model (that's both good & bad) and this was something my girlfriend really liked....although I explained that it helps that I was not driving it @ the same speeds, I would normally be driving my car (which she does not mind @ all)! Plus the interior changes are a vast improvement....the blue seats with the black/silver interior, looks way

Now to the important bits -

ENGINE:
It is far more usable in the lower rev range and the 'numbers' (ie 147 kW and 192 Nm), don't do the new car justice; as it is the way the i-VTEC delivers the power, that is impressive! There is no more 'obvious' shove in the back, when the car hits 6,000 rpm....rather a continuous 'sense of urgency' through the whole rev range (with a peculiar 'lag' around 5,500-5,800 rpm). The engine sounds a bit turbine like (but I'm sure the engine note will change slightly with a few more clicks on it) and they have improved the exhaust sound. To give you an example, of how 'tractable' the new engine is....I went through a slow round-about in 6th gear and it pulled away surprisingly well, from only ~1,300 rpm.

GEARING:
Shift seems very similar in both length/throw, as out-going model....but has the obvious advantage of the 6th gear. The clutch is a lot softer than my ITR (when I jumped back into my car, it was really noticeable) and I was disappointed it didn't have the short shiftness of the S2K....which is just magic.

MISC. COMMENTS:
* You seem to sit higher in this model and the front nose is almost invisible, unless you lean right forward.
* Visibility through the back window has improved, due to the boot/wing sitting slightly higher.
* Visibility though, when looking behind the shoulder....is virtually non-existent.
* It really needs to sit a good 2" lower (not too low, as I hate cars 'lowered into the ground'!); as there is way too much wheel showing and it is no lower than the standard Integra.
* It really needs the JDM 17" wheels....although the 16" wheels look Ok, but could have at least have been of the same design.
* Nice amount of boot space, with the cover being nicely incorporated into the boot lid.
* Certainly a lot more head-room and they seem to have widened the Recaros (for the bigger customers); as my shoulders weren't sitting as snug.
* The dash and controls, are really refreshing and a joy to behold....I particularly like the silver console with the red back lighting and the tacho/speedometer starting @ 6 o'clock!

That is all for now....once I have a longer and angrier drive, I will be able to give better feedback on the brakes, engine and suspension (the really important bits).

Honda has lost a lot of respect from many people and motor magazines/reviewers, that were looking forward to the new ITR!

Cheers all....I feel a bit better, now I've got that off my chest.