Larger mill is much stronger
Gone is last year’s 2.0-litre 4-banger. It’s been replaced with a 2.4-litre, 16-valve i-VTEC 4-cylinder that spins out 201 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm. This is a modest boost of only four horsepower, which by itself is not impressive.
What serves to impress is the significant upswing in torque and the earlier presentation of that twist. Last year, the Civic Si made do with 139 pound-feet of torque @ 6,100 rpm. This year, the Si cooks with 170 pound-feet @ 4,400 rpm. The result is delightful.
It’s not necessary to maintain revs in the stratosphere to squeeze the most out of the larger engine as it was with the former mill. This attribute greatly enhances the Si’s performance-oriented characteristics – and it’s what driving enthusiasts constantly crave. That’s why there’s such a robust tuner market for these cars.
The fine art of shifting
Drivers with a penchant for stick shifts will find joy in the Si’s 6-speed manual gearbox – I certainly did. This manu-mixer rekindles all that is desirable about shifting one’s gears the old fashioned way. And unlike many front-wheel-drive manual sticks, Honda’s version actuates with precision and simplicity; there’s no rubberiness or surplus resistance to dampen the delight.
The short-throw shifter ably passed my two-finger test for manual sticks. The test simply consists of using two fingers to row from one gear to the next. Smoothly functioning gearboxes that click into gear with exactitude and ease – such as that of the Si – pass this test with flying colours.
Complementing the process of manually swapping cogs is the light, smooth, progressive engagement of the Si’s clutch. Together, the operational finesse of the stick and clutch enable ultra-smooth departures and gear changes every time. Such polished functionality underpins much of the enjoyment found behind the Si’s beautifully contoured wheel.
On the road
Spirited sports car performance is the core of the 2012 Civic Coupe Si. It’s a “fun to drive” compact 2-door ride that delivers a sporty growl and noteworthy acceleration. Low-end torque is far better than before, which makes the car more enjoyable in all driving scenarios.
Gone is last year’s 2.0-litre 4-banger. It’s been replaced with a 2.4-litre, 16-valve i-VTEC 4-cylinder that spins out 201 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm. This is a modest boost of only four horsepower, which by itself is not impressive.
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| Last year, the Civic Si made do with 139 pound-feet of torque. This year, the Si cooks with 170 pound-feet @ 4,400 rpm. The result is delightful. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
What serves to impress is the significant upswing in torque and the earlier presentation of that twist. Last year, the Civic Si made do with 139 pound-feet of torque @ 6,100 rpm. This year, the Si cooks with 170 pound-feet @ 4,400 rpm. The result is delightful.
It’s not necessary to maintain revs in the stratosphere to squeeze the most out of the larger engine as it was with the former mill. This attribute greatly enhances the Si’s performance-oriented characteristics – and it’s what driving enthusiasts constantly crave. That’s why there’s such a robust tuner market for these cars.
The fine art of shifting
Drivers with a penchant for stick shifts will find joy in the Si’s 6-speed manual gearbox – I certainly did. This manu-mixer rekindles all that is desirable about shifting one’s gears the old fashioned way. And unlike many front-wheel-drive manual sticks, Honda’s version actuates with precision and simplicity; there’s no rubberiness or surplus resistance to dampen the delight.
The short-throw shifter ably passed my two-finger test for manual sticks. The test simply consists of using two fingers to row from one gear to the next. Smoothly functioning gearboxes that click into gear with exactitude and ease – such as that of the Si – pass this test with flying colours.
Complementing the process of manually swapping cogs is the light, smooth, progressive engagement of the Si’s clutch. Together, the operational finesse of the stick and clutch enable ultra-smooth departures and gear changes every time. Such polished functionality underpins much of the enjoyment found behind the Si’s beautifully contoured wheel.
On the road
Spirited sports car performance is the core of the 2012 Civic Coupe Si. It’s a “fun to drive” compact 2-door ride that delivers a sporty growl and noteworthy acceleration. Low-end torque is far better than before, which makes the car more enjoyable in all driving scenarios.
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| Worthy of specific mention is the outstanding forward visibility the driver is greeted to. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |