The split personality of Honda’s high-strung 2.0L i-VTEC engine could not be more obvious: platonically docile at lower revs, the monster awakens at around 6,000 rpm and screams its heart out at 8,000 rpm. It’s almost the sports car equivalent of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In fact, it feels like a second engine comes alive under hard acceleration. Once again, Honda showcases its world-class skills in the fine art of building exhilarating, sweet-sounding, high-revving little powerplants.
The excitement delivered by the Civic Si does not merely come from the 197-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine but also from all the hardware and fine-tuning that work toward superior driving dynamics. The suspension, which is clearly geared for spirited (meaning aggressive) driving, does a remarkable job of holding the car’s body in check and achieving Si-caliber handling.
This machine is so fun to drive. While being smoother and more comfortable than the Lancer, it still proves highly dynamic and sporty. There’s this intoxicating feeling of lightness and liveliness that makes the whole behind-the-wheel experience even more memorable.
I loved playing with the close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission; it really pushes you to crank things up a notch (watch your speed!). On the other hand, the steering felt a bit too assisted to my liking, although I’ve known worse. Finally, the brakes respond quickly and sharply to pedal input.
All in all, there is not much to complain about. Sure, the 2010 Honda Civic Si isn’t as powerful as some competitors, but once you reach those higher revs, you can bet all the GTI, WRX and Ralliart owners stop laughing. And at $25,880, we’re talking about one of the highest (if not the highest) value-to-performance ratios among all pocket rockets. In other words, you virtually get the same amount of fun while saving thousands of dollars.
The excitement delivered by the Civic Si does not merely come from the 197-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine but also from all the hardware and fine-tuning that work toward superior driving dynamics. The suspension, which is clearly geared for spirited (meaning aggressive) driving, does a remarkable job of holding the car’s body in check and achieving Si-caliber handling.
 |
| The infatuation with the Si is kindled by the 197 hp of its four-cylinder mill and all the little mechanical adjustments that complete the car's dynamics. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
This machine is so fun to drive. While being smoother and more comfortable than the Lancer, it still proves highly dynamic and sporty. There’s this intoxicating feeling of lightness and liveliness that makes the whole behind-the-wheel experience even more memorable.
I loved playing with the close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission; it really pushes you to crank things up a notch (watch your speed!). On the other hand, the steering felt a bit too assisted to my liking, although I’ve known worse. Finally, the brakes respond quickly and sharply to pedal input.
All in all, there is not much to complain about. Sure, the 2010 Honda Civic Si isn’t as powerful as some competitors, but once you reach those higher revs, you can bet all the GTI, WRX and Ralliart owners stop laughing. And at $25,880, we’re talking about one of the highest (if not the highest) value-to-performance ratios among all pocket rockets. In other words, you virtually get the same amount of fun while saving thousands of dollars.
Article Gallery