The new Civic lineup is complete. Honda this week introduced the 2017 Honda Civic Si in sedan and coupe formats, filling in the last hole in the tenth-generation Civic model range. It joins the base-model Civic (sedan and coupe), the Civic hatchback and of course the exhilarating Civic Type R.
The new Honda Civic Si will be produced in Ontario, and fitted with an Ohio-built turbo engine. It is expected at dealerships as of next month; no price has yet been announced.
The first turbocharged Civic Si
The 1.5L 4-cylinder engine is not new, but it has been modified to generate 205 hp (at 1,300 RPM lower than in the earlier Si) and 192 lb-ft of torque (available at 2,300 RPM lower, and maintained at over 70% of the rev range).
The engine is wedded to a 6-speed manual with a short-throw gear shifter. The driver can also choose between Normal and Sport modes; the latter adjusts the responsiveness of the accelerator, suspension firmness and the sensitivity of the steering wheel. In addition, many of the chassis components have been improved, and the car is both lighter and more rigid than the previous generation.
Sportier demeanour
The new 2017 Honda Civic Si distinguishes itself from the base-model Civic by its more aggressive fascia, dominated by black elements and larger air intakes, as well as by the 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive two-tone finish, low-stance tires and centre-mounted polygonal exhaust tip. The coupe version adds an elevated rear spoiler.
Inside, the Civic Si makes a serious play to seduce driving aficionados with sport-type heated front seats that include lateral support and red stitching, red TFT instrumentation and sport pedals. Also noteworthy are the carbon elements on the dashboard.
Among the other notable features of the Civic Si, electronic parking brake, automatic dual-zone climate control, automatic wipers and a 7-inch multimedia screen display compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 450-watt audio system with no fewer than 10 speakers.
