Well, the new Civic Si is finally here, but we are slightly disappointed, to be honest. I believe that all of us were very enthusiastic to hear that this Si will be the “fastest, most powerful Si yet,” at least that is what Honda stated, with its 1.5 L turbocharged unit which was already used in the Civic line. The disappointing part is tied to the same HP rating that the previous one offered meaning we are getting 205 HP. To put it this way, this situation is like when you go to order a double cheeseburger and instead get a hot dog. Yes, you will eat it because you are hungry but that is not what you wanted!
When we consider Honda’s statement which says that this one will be “most powerful Si yet” we think that they probably meant to unit’s 192 lb-ft of peak torque, which actually is more than any other Si offered so far. If you compare this one with the previous model’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter unit, then you see that the new force-fed 1.5 L reaches its peak HP 1,300 RPM sooner with maximum torque arriving full 2,300 RPM lower on rew counter. Since the only transmission option offered is a six-speed manual, with torque available from 2,100 to 5,000 RPM (almost 70% of the engine’s rev range), you have to do a lot less shifting in order to have a lot of fun with the vehicle.
Besides this Honda also stated that the 2017 Honda Civic Si is “significantly lighter than the previous generation” and that is a great thing, especially when you consider it has a more rigid body with dual-pinion adaptive electric power steering. We also get a sport-tuned suspension, an adaptive damper system, 12.3-inch front brakes, and 235/40 R18 tires at all four corners with optional performance tires.
Honda also slapped on a helical limited-slip differential to help the front tires fight with power and steering. Honda decided to take only one part from the Civic Type R and source it to the Si, and that is its upper control arms. You have an option of choosing between Normal and Sport mode when you want to adjust suspension damping, steering input and throttle response.
The exterior of the car has not changed at all from the prototype everybody got to see at the LA Auto Show, and since most loved the prototype, the lack of changes is completely OK. On the inside of the car you will find bolstered seats with the requisite Si red trim, and features like Apple Carplay and Android Auto that come as standard, accessible along with audio and HVAC functions through a 7-inch touchscreen. There is, of course, more features available like heated seats, remote start, and rain-sensing wipers.
With the situation like this, the Civic Si just may lose some of its market to the arriving Type R, which is what Honda probably isn’t planning. The competition is fierce as well, especially with Volkswagen Golf GTI that offers 220 HP in the same price range, and there’s the Ford Focus ST with 252 HP that is also competitive in terms of price. But, we shouldn’t write it out so soon, there could be a bit more to the new Si with its lower weight and stiffer packaging. Let’s hold the judgment until we have an opportunity to make a behind a wheel review.
Release Date and Price
As we managed to find out, both the sedan and coupe are set to go on sale next month with starting prices in the mid $20,000 range.
