Which is exactly why I'll never buy a VTEC and currently have a diesel. I like the lazy low down grunt of a diesel. i want it to get me to where I want to be without having to feel like I'm driving the arse of it, or having to constantly be swapping cogs so I'm not caught short.

I've driven a wide range of VTEC equipped Hondas; S2000, Accord Type R, Civic Type R (EK, EP and FN) and while I can totally see why people would like them, I can also see why it's an engine for people who love to rev the fuck out of their cars. In the S2000 in particular I found myself looking at the rev counter (well, the rev bar thing) and thinking "come on... come on... come on" as it was downright ordinary below about 6000rpm for it then to be momentarily in the 'zone' and then have to change up.

In the 'real world' you don't often have the luxury of long straight endless roads with no traffic, and having a narrow power band at the top end of the rev range makes a lot less sense than having the power at the bottom of the rev range IMHO.

I drove a Type R (Championship White Edition) back to back with a Focus RS and the Civic felt fragile and gutless in comparison. It went well at the top end, but felt lifeless and ordinary compared to the RS. (And that's not me writing with Ford blinkers on).

It's also baffled me that as soon as you enter the 'VTEC zone' in third gear you're doing over 70mph. Now for a track car, that's ace, but for a road car, it's always struck me as being a bit daft.

I don't think they're overrated, but they're definitely an acquired taste, and are definitely not for me!