Photo: Honda
Honda Civic Type R
Sure, it’s roughly based on the Honda Civic, but the Civic Type R edges its rivals due to the fact it was initially designed as a race car. The mechanical limited-slip differential, innovative suspension system that reduces understeer and functional aero kit that generates real downforce make it a much more visceral car than the Volkswagen Golf R or even the new Hyundai Veloster N. For Honda, offering an automatic transmission was simply out of the question. The Honda Civic Type R relies exclusively on a manual gearbox, which happens to be one of the best in the business.