Overview

HONDA seemed to seize the zeitgeist of the hedonistic late-1980s, with the original CRX two-seater three-door hatchback being a leading player.

The Japanese company denied us the first-generation model from 1983 to 1987, but didn't repeat that mistake once the Mk4 Civic-based EF CRX rocked up in November 1987.

At the heart of its appeal was the 94kW 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, enthusiastically mated to a slick five-speed manual gearbox, a simple but classily executed cabin, four wide wheels at each corner underpinned by double wishbone suspension, and that gorgeously squat body.

It was like a Civic was crossed with a Mini Cooper and Toyota MR2.

A classic from the first turn of its wheel, enthusiasts the world over were horrified by the progressively designed but hoplessly misguided "Civic Del Sol" , the 1992-1998 CRX.

At least Honda still offered a fun and affordable sporty coupe alternative.

Subsequent Civic generations have grown-up to the point there's just no more room for such boisterous hedonism in Honda's line-up these days.

This is one Eighties revival I'd love to see.

To paraphrase Bonnie Tyler's super camp classic of 1984, we're holding out for this Honda hero...