By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
In my recent run down of my top Japanese classics (see story, 7 April) I intentionally left out a forgotten gem from Honda which celebrates its 40th birthday this year.
The car in question is the amazing CR-X, the lively end of the popular Civic line.
This two-seater sports coupe combined a striking ‘wedge’ design, ‘bomb-proof’ engine, slick gearbox and nimble handling. The car was launched in 1983 with a 1.5-litre engine, adding an Si option and then 1.6 upgrade in 1986.
By 1988, the second-generation model had undergone a major redesign, including a new body shell, longer wheelbase and reworked suspension.
The Mk 2 CR-X is my pick of the range, especially with the introduction of the 1.6-litre 16-valve VTEC engine producing a lively 148 bhp.
In 1992, Honda brought out a third generation semi-convertible model with a very different look and featuring a lift-out roof section which could fit in the boot. Sadly, it failed to build on the success of the earlier CR-Xs.
In the UK, the CR-X range came highly specced with electric windows, bucket seats and alloys as standard.
Across the pond, the car proved a big hit, justifying American Honda in pushing Honda bosses to invest in a compact coupe.
Looking back, the CR-X makes a great little runaround at affordable prices, that’s if you can pick one up! On a negative note, rust can be an issue – check floor pans and front wings in particular.
A quick internet search shows good condition low mileage Mk2s start from £7,500 and go right up to £20,000 for a top VTEC fitted model. Prices tend to come in lower for the later CR-X ‘Del Sol’ variant (third generation).