Very high-strung engine
The little 2.0-liter 4-cylinder generates an impressive 197 horsepower but a rather ordinary 139 lb-ft of torque. And since the power peak is obtained at 7,800 rpm, one quickly realizes the typical nature of Honda's VTEC engines; to squeeze out every horse, the engine must be constantly wringed out right up to its redline. The sound is, by the way, quite pleasing.
But in these situations, we're burning precious super unleaded fuel, and other motorists around you are giving you the mean look. And I don't always feel like driving with the pedal to the metal. The exhaust system's bark is ever-present, even when we're not driving aggressively, which won't please everybody. My 1995 Integra wasn't the GS-R model and didn't have a VTEC engine; the 1.8-liter mill was potent without being as peaky as the one in the Civic Si.
You'll need 7.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The presence of a limited-slip differential minimizes torque steer; with so many horses being channelled through the front wheels, a certain level of control is appreciated. I still feel the steering tugging while vigorously accelerating through a street corner, but it remains tolerable.
As for fuel economy, my average is 10.5 L/100 km, which is good, considering I didn't always have authority over my right foot during the test.
The Si's handling is obviously sportier than what's found in more plebeian Civics. The suspension is firmer, there's less body roll, and there's a greater willingness to seek some twisty roads. However, the ride remains agreeable around town, as it's only slightly harsher than with the regular Civics.
What's the target audience of the Si?
With its power and its nice appearance, as well as its customizing potential and accessory list, this performance variant of the Civic obviously has everything to please the younger crowd. The Si badge can now be considered as legendary, but we must mnow realize that with a price of $26,380, this car is out of reach of the 20-year-olds.
When I leased my Integra back in 1995, it cost $18,800. That might seem like a bargain compared to this Si, but let's take a few moments to crunch some numbers. With a price rise of 3% a year (a ratio surgically calculated by the firm Deslauriers and Ass.), my beloved Integra RS would sell today for $26,804. So, I guess the Civic Si isn't that expensive after all... but why do I think that it costs so much? Ah yes, I've forgotten; I now have a mortgage to pay.
The little 2.0-liter 4-cylinder generates an impressive 197 horsepower but a rather ordinary 139 lb-ft of torque. And since the power peak is obtained at 7,800 rpm, one quickly realizes the typical nature of Honda's VTEC engines; to squeeze out every horse, the engine must be constantly wringed out right up to its redline. The sound is, by the way, quite pleasing.
But in these situations, we're burning precious super unleaded fuel, and other motorists around you are giving you the mean look. And I don't always feel like driving with the pedal to the metal. The exhaust system's bark is ever-present, even when we're not driving aggressively, which won't please everybody. My 1995 Integra wasn't the GS-R model and didn't have a VTEC engine; the 1.8-liter mill was potent without being as peaky as the one in the Civic Si.
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| The orange lighting may please some people, but not me. |
You'll need 7.6 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The presence of a limited-slip differential minimizes torque steer; with so many horses being channelled through the front wheels, a certain level of control is appreciated. I still feel the steering tugging while vigorously accelerating through a street corner, but it remains tolerable.
As for fuel economy, my average is 10.5 L/100 km, which is good, considering I didn't always have authority over my right foot during the test.
The Si's handling is obviously sportier than what's found in more plebeian Civics. The suspension is firmer, there's less body roll, and there's a greater willingness to seek some twisty roads. However, the ride remains agreeable around town, as it's only slightly harsher than with the regular Civics.
What's the target audience of the Si?
With its power and its nice appearance, as well as its customizing potential and accessory list, this performance variant of the Civic obviously has everything to please the younger crowd. The Si badge can now be considered as legendary, but we must mnow realize that with a price of $26,380, this car is out of reach of the 20-year-olds.
When I leased my Integra back in 1995, it cost $18,800. That might seem like a bargain compared to this Si, but let's take a few moments to crunch some numbers. With a price rise of 3% a year (a ratio surgically calculated by the firm Deslauriers and Ass.), my beloved Integra RS would sell today for $26,804. So, I guess the Civic Si isn't that expensive after all... but why do I think that it costs so much? Ah yes, I've forgotten; I now have a mortgage to pay.
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| The 1986 Civic was the first to wear the Si designation. |