The automotive cliché of a “Swiss Army Knife” is something that we all chase. For some people that’s a Range Rover, for others it’s an estate car, but for me it will always be a hot hatch. The combination of a fun chassis, usability and being the right size for UK roads just makes them work so well.

Which one was the harder question. Hyundai’s i30N was high on the list, as was a Renault RS300 Trophy Megane. VAG’s various offerings were not hitting the spot, and neither was the Mk3 Focus RS. There was, however, one car I just could not get past.

Ever since I was a nipper the Civic Type R was a car that I held in high regard. This was further emphasised when I got to spend some time behind the wheel of fellow Rusher John’s FN2 (more on that here).

The budget would stretch to an FK8, and if I shopped around, I could get a top-spec GT car. Being a typical modern Japanese machine, it’s loaded with tech and so well engineered it reminds me of the Cayman.

Local cars were a bust, so I found one up north in Manchester. Before I knew it, I was driving my FK8 home: a one-owner Metallic Grey car with all the options ticked. The best part? With the funds raised from the Cayman sale, I was up by £50. Rarely do we get such a win in the world of car chopping and changing.

My journey home took me across some of my favourite Peak District roads, and that’s where my decision was immediately validated. The feedback, confidence and outright speed this car produces is ludicrous.

Would I be as bold as to say it drives better than the Cayman? Yes, I would. It’s one hell of a package.

The only thing left to do was book a track day. You never truly learn everything about a performance car until you’ve been right on the limit. With zero chance of doing that on the road, I headed down to Curborough for a proper chance to explore the car.

After a full day pounding around, it was clear the FK8 loves a circuit. The biggest revelation is its R mode setting: when engaged, it stiffens the suspension enough to permit three-wheeled BTCC-style antics. I could not believe its performance. From running the numbers against the Cayman, the Civic came out on top, being around 2 seconds quicker across what is a small circuit.

It seems ridiculous that a car can be such a multi-role champion, but the FK8 is just that. I’m looking forward to more miles and more trackdays in what is one of my favourite cars I’ve owned. As you can tell, I’m already smitten.