While the handling was quite good I thought it odd that 15-inch alloys with P195/60R15 tires were chosen instead of a larger diameter wheel and tire package. That said a lot of Honda hot-hatch owners want to give their cars the tuner look, which requires distinct non-OEM wheels. I suppose there's no need to cause buyers to pay more if they're just going to replace them anyway.
Did I mention that the dash mounted shifter looks as wonderful as it works? It does, as does the rest of the interior. Silver metallic surfaces grace the dash, console and, well just about everywhere. A black and red theme permeates the cabin giving it a ready to race persona, highlighted by the aforementioned thick leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob as well as the stellar front seats. Ultra comfortable, each offers superb back and lateral support thanks to excellent lumbar padding and massive side-bolsters respectively, plus look as if they came right out of a Sparco motorsport catalog. Interior plastics are first rate while switchgear is European spec. After all, the SiR is built in Swindon, England and sold as we get it here throughout Europe, where a higher level of interior quality has been the norm for years.
Of course the cupholders, located conveniently on the far outside corners of the dash, and many of its luxury features were inspired on this side of the pond. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning with micron filtration, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power mirrors, cruise control, white faced gauges and a roof-mounted micro antenna sending a strong signal to a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD anti-theft equipped audio system - though a multi-disc CD player would be appreciated. A sunroof is optional, with hard to find controls still off in neverland - Honda's unintuitive left lower dash location. I suppose Saab isn't the only manufacturer to have its distinct quirks.