2007 Honda Civic Si Road Test

Si is for Sizzle

It's unlikely that Honda's "Si" nomenclature is short for "sizzle," but after a week behind the wheel of a 2007 Civic Si Coupe, I can arrive at no other conclusion. Honda's well-established "Si" legacy continues with the 2007 Civic Coupe, featuring a 2.0 litre four-banger capable of mustering 197 horsepower @ 7,800-rpm and 139 pound-feet of torque @ 6,200-rpm, en route to an expanded redline.

This Civic proudly wears the "Si" badge.

The sizzle
The little engine's searing performance comes from an increased compression ratio and the latest version of Honda's i-VTEC, variable valve-timing technology. A unique crankshaft balancer has been added to hold everything together as the mill climbs past typical redline thresholds to its screaming, 8,000-rpm barrier.

From idle to 6,000-rpm, the engine pulls nicely while imparting an exhaust note that suggests a healthy dose of sport tuning. If that's all the mill delivered, I doubt many would be disappointed however the engine's true fortitude reveals itself when the tachometer surpasses "6" on its way to "8." As if suddenly demon-possessed, the engine emits a howl sufficient to excite the Schumachers as it thrusts the coupe forward like a steam-driven catapult on the deck of an aircraft carrier. It's really quite remarkable.

Unfortunately, the practicality of exploiting the 6-8,000-rpm power range is simply absent in real world driving. Even during on-track stints, it would be difficult to keep the engine in its sweet spot. Nonetheless, knowing the demon sits in reserve, ready to take possession of the internal combustion cycle is enticing; something like the nitrous button on a video-game controller.

The engine's potent punch is delivered to the Si's front wheels through the workings of a six-speed, close-ratio manual transmission. Aiding in traction is a helical-type limited-slip differential. To Honda's credit, no discernible torque steer jumps in to undermine control.

The Style
The Civic Coupe is an attention grabber: sleek and stylish, youthful and smart. The tenor of which is ratcheted up substantially by the Si's dramatic rear spoiler and aggressive exhaust note. Inside the svelte body, front seat occupants will be well cradled by perches providing tremendous side bolstering and good overall support.

The Si is characterized by a distinctive look.