Honda / CRX / 2-dr coupe

Rivals

NISSAN EXA 2D COUPE (1987-1991)
THE forgotten EXA's targa roof, 2 plus 2 seats and luggage space make it a good compromise between fun and everyday practicality, but they're getting on a bit thesedays. The 93kW 1.8-litre, twin-cam engine provides similar performance but nowhere near as much fun.

PEUGEOT 205 3D HATCHBACK (1991-1994)
THE 205 should have been more popular with its combination of good looks and nimble handling. The 1.6-litre, overhead camshaft engine produces 65kW with good low and medium speed torque. Equipment includes air-conditioning, power windows and central locking. Feels light and flimsy but is still fun to drive.

TOYOTA PASEO 2D COUPE (1991-1996)
THE Paseo has 2 plus 2 accommodation, good equipment levels and adequate handling, but could never be called a sports car, not with a 74kW 1.5-litre engine, ancient-Starlet suspension and undercarriage and an image that makes early Celicas seem butch. But as a city runabout they're fine and dependable.

FORD CAPRI 2D CONVERTIBLE (1990-1992)
THE combination of an open top with four seats puts the Capri in a unique class. The Series II fixed the quality and weather sealing gripes and has a more powerful twin cam, 1.6 with 77kW output. The optional hardtop provides security and weather protection. It's about time this earns more respect.