I've often wondered which is better optimised for UK conditions between the import/UK cars? I'm not talking BHP, octane etc just what changes were made in tuning suspension etc to the UK cars.

Or were the UK models just dumbed down, lower spec cars for a less demanding and knowledgable market?

I've driven both and felt the UK car suited the roads better- less likely to lose you licence for one thing as they are significantly slower!

The jap car (type R) was less cosseting, less suited to UK's potholed roads and far more fun.

every day use though the UK was far better. What technical differences account for this?