Revisiting the Honda Accord Type R – car pictures of the week

While Honda’s Civic and Integra Type Rs have (rightly) amassed cult followings and evo icon status over the years, the Accord Type R has always flown under the radar by comparison. But to ignore it would be missing out on a ‘90s sports saloon that delivers quintessential Type R thrills in a practical, unassuming shell. 

It’s one of our favourite Type Rs of all, and you can read our full test and history overview by picking up a copy of the latest issue of evo, available in-store or online via the evo shop. 

In some ways the latest FL5 Civic Type R is the Accord’s spiritual successor. It’s almost exactly the same length, it’s as practical as a small saloon and it remains front-driven and manual-only. Stepping back into the Accord is a reminder that the essential qualities of today’s Type R experience can be traced all the way back to the ‘90s. 

The engine is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder VTEC unit, and while its 209bhp and 159lb ft outputs appear ordinary, the delivery is anything but. At high revs the slightly limp noise and performance burst into a hardened VTEC frenzy, peaking at 7200rpm where maximum power is generated. Suddenly the Accord comes to life, your attitude changes and you start driving it like a proper Type R. 

‘Some performance cars reward you from the sensations of working them hard, but the Accord’s noise and pace and intensity almost feel like they’re there purely to entertain the driver,’ said evo’s Antony Ingram. ‘The car itself treats any task you throw at it with the same nonchalance as a Jazz toddling to and fro on the school run.’

To find out why the Accord Type R sits firmly in the realm of evo greats, grab a copy of evo 327 in-store or online.