A few people have asked if the Honda's as good as a previous hot hatch king, the Peugeot 306 Rallye, so recently I dug mine out of semi-retirement to form a clearer picture. The Type-R definitely has the edge for eye-widening acceleration, though the Rallye's not as far behind as I thought it might be, and it makes as good a sound, though a different one, while doing it. The Rallye gets the nod for the quality of its steering and ride, the Type R takes the braking and turn-in honours; both can feel nervous when their suspension is loaded up in a quick corner.

If forced into a definitive verdict (and accusations of bias notwithstanding) I reckon the Pug remains the better all-rounder. On the other hand, as a long-term ownership prospect, the laurels get placed on the Type-R's stubby bonnet. Anybody else got something to say on the matter? Let me know what you think: fastfleet@evo.co.uk