Honda CR-X (1983 – 1987) Review

The first generation Honda CR-X appeared like a bolt from the blue at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and proved that its maker was deadly serious about building sports cars to fill he vacuum in the market left in the wake of the death of the Triumph TR7 and MGB. It was essentially a shortened Civic with daring coupe-styling, which was light and punchy for excellent performance.

It was sold in the UK in 1.5- and 1.6-litre form, and both were an absolute hoot to drive. But the 1.6i-16 model was the star of the range - it was powered by a 1590cc DOHC that developed 135bhp to give the CR-X an easy 120mph maximum speed. When it was originally launched in Japan, it was known as the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X - thankfully, that moniker was dropped very quickly.