AS every schoolboy knows, R comes before S in the dictionary, so you could be forgiven for assuming that the Civic Type-S is an even sportier version of the already barking mad Civic Type-R. You’d be wrong.

As far as Honda is concerned, things are the other way around.

Only the Type-S and the Type- R are available with a three-door body, although the clever detailing that hides the rear handles in the rear window pillar on the fivedoor version makes it hard to spot.

The Type-S also benefits from up-rated suspension settings, not quite as harsh as the Type-R but siffer than standard, a wider rear track (by 20mm over the five-door model) but misses out on the Type-R’s insane rev-hungry 2.0- litre 197 bhp engine.

The recipe, therefore, offers up a smart-looking sporty hatch that offers some of the deft handling of the range-topping Civic, but none of the go.

This isn’t quite the let-down it sounds, because the Civic is always a nice car to drive, whether it has a 1.4-litre engine, the 1.8- petrol or the excellent 2.2 CDTi diesel that are all available to the Type-S buyer.

The 1.8 petrol has 140bhp for decent overtaking and refined cruising ability. In typical Honda fashion it needs a few revs before the hedgerows start flashing past, but it feels virtually unburstable, even when the rev counter is heading for the red line.

It’s well balanced, too, with no tingles evident through the steering or the gear knob.

Although the diesel needs less fuel, the petrol powered 1.8 is no gas guzzler. In a mixed driving environment it should return more than 40mpg, a figure that wouldn’t disgrace some manufacturers’ diesel engines.

Crucially, the Type-S is fun to drive. It resists body roll well and responds smartly to steering inputs.

The six speed gearbox is delightful – one of the best changes I have experienced in a long time – that makes snicking up and down the ratios a joy, rather than a chore.

The clutch is light and the brakes easy to modulate, even at high speeds.

The ride over small bumps hasn’t gone to pieces with the addition of stiffer suspension, although a bit more pliancy in the dampers would still come in handy for any owners likely to be getting on in years.

None of the current Civic range could ever be considered shrinking violets but the Type-S gets even more visual drama.

There is a modest body kit cloaking the wheel arches and sills, plus impressive-looking 17- inch alloy wheels with low profile rubber.

The doors are bigger and the rear panels are new. The trapezoidal exhausts still look good and the Battlestar Galactica interior, with its LCD instrument pack split across three levels, always raises a smile.

The Civic is one of the roomiest cars in its class so the Type- S is capable of fulfilling the role of family car without too much compromise.

Access to the back seats is good; there’s a handy step in the floor pan which helps with getting in and out. Honda’s engineers achieved this difficult packaging trick by relocating the fuel tank beneath the front seats; expect others to follow this lead. They also mounted the gear knob high on the fascia to free up space between the front seats.

If you plan to carry passengers in the back regularly they might appreciate the panoramic glass sun roof that’s available as an extra cost option, though, as the thick door pillars and swooping roof line conspire to make travel in the back feel more hemmed in than it really is. The rear seat backs fold flat in one easy action and the 486- litre boot is a good size for this class.

Retained values are high, too, which is a reflection of Honda’s engineering integrity, although strange creaks and groans coming from the driver’s seat were a cause of some concern on the test car. True, the Type-S may be something of a sheep in wolf’s clothing but, be honest, how often are you likely to really utilise the pace of a 200bhp hothatch on this speed-restricted isle?

Wouldn’t it be better to buy a Type-S and put the money saved towards a series of track day events, where you can drive at breakneck pace in safety?

Specification

Engine: 1,799cc
Max power: 140bhp @ 6,300rpm
Max torque: 128lb/ft @ 4,300rpm
Max speed: 127mph
Fuel consumption: 42.2mpg combined
CO2 g/km: 155 (£150 road tax)
Equipment: Electric windows, power steering, alarm, immobiliser, CD player, climate control, electric mirrors, alloy wheels (17-inch), body kit, split/fold rear seat.