For those who miss their Integra
When I was 20 years old, the rational side of my brain didn't always have control over the emotional side. I was young, I had a job and I was in love. Everything was working fine for me, except one thing: my car.
Once again, my vehicle broke down, and I was sick and tired of car payments and repair bills at the same time. To cheer myself up, I went to check out some new-car joints one night with my brother's car, and I wound up at an Acura dealer that had a big sale going on.
In short, the next morning, after the credit check, I was officially the lessee of a new, shiny-silver 1995 Integra. I thought that, despite the high monthly payments compared to my miserly hourly wage at work, I would be paying for the peace of mind of a new-car warranty. Then, I called up insurance companies, something I should've done before signing the lease contract. Gorgeous, powerful, reliable... and darn expensive to insure, I adored that car.
Twelve years later, after a while behind the wheel of the Civic Si, I can't help but to think that this might very well be the spiritual successor to the Acura Integra, which sadly was retired in 2001.
Good looks
I don't care too much about the base Civic coupe, with its hubcaps and rather ordinary appearance. Dressed up in Si trim, however, I find it much more attractive.
Like my Integra in 1995, the rear spoiler and alloy wheels greatly change the look of the car. And the extra add-ons are subtle and non-excessive; you don't look like a tuner freak driving the Civic Si.
Curiously, fog lamps are absent. Okay, they're not an essential feature, of course, but one would expect to find them when buying a sporty car such as this one. You can always order them at the dealership, but according to Honda Canada's website, they cost--holy smokes--$677.
Great seats
They don't offer much in the way of adjustment, but the front seats are nonetheless very comfortable, very supportive and covered with a very pleasing fabric. Space is a-plenty for front occupants, and two adults can even sit in back and tolerate themselves; invite a third person back there, and all three will be unhappy.
The Civic Si's cockpit, like in all Civics, has a high-quality atmosphere. The choice of materials is top-notch, and the tachometer is right in the middle of the instrument panel. The small wheel is a charm to manipulate, and the controls on the radio and heating and ventilation system are easy to operate while driving. The orange display for the radio is the only thing I don't like.
When I was 20 years old, the rational side of my brain didn't always have control over the emotional side. I was young, I had a job and I was in love. Everything was working fine for me, except one thing: my car.
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| The Si is the star of the Civic lineup. |
Once again, my vehicle broke down, and I was sick and tired of car payments and repair bills at the same time. To cheer myself up, I went to check out some new-car joints one night with my brother's car, and I wound up at an Acura dealer that had a big sale going on.
In short, the next morning, after the credit check, I was officially the lessee of a new, shiny-silver 1995 Integra. I thought that, despite the high monthly payments compared to my miserly hourly wage at work, I would be paying for the peace of mind of a new-car warranty. Then, I called up insurance companies, something I should've done before signing the lease contract. Gorgeous, powerful, reliable... and darn expensive to insure, I adored that car.
Twelve years later, after a while behind the wheel of the Civic Si, I can't help but to think that this might very well be the spiritual successor to the Acura Integra, which sadly was retired in 2001.
Good looks
I don't care too much about the base Civic coupe, with its hubcaps and rather ordinary appearance. Dressed up in Si trim, however, I find it much more attractive.
Like my Integra in 1995, the rear spoiler and alloy wheels greatly change the look of the car. And the extra add-ons are subtle and non-excessive; you don't look like a tuner freak driving the Civic Si.
Curiously, fog lamps are absent. Okay, they're not an essential feature, of course, but one would expect to find them when buying a sporty car such as this one. You can always order them at the dealership, but according to Honda Canada's website, they cost--holy smokes--$677.
Great seats
They don't offer much in the way of adjustment, but the front seats are nonetheless very comfortable, very supportive and covered with a very pleasing fabric. Space is a-plenty for front occupants, and two adults can even sit in back and tolerate themselves; invite a third person back there, and all three will be unhappy.
The Civic Si's cockpit, like in all Civics, has a high-quality atmosphere. The choice of materials is top-notch, and the tachometer is right in the middle of the instrument panel. The small wheel is a charm to manipulate, and the controls on the radio and heating and ventilation system are easy to operate while driving. The orange display for the radio is the only thing I don't like.
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| The dashboard has almost everything right. |