A sportier, quicker, manual Civic. Where’s the downside? Get it down here.
Due to be revealed soon at the 2017 New York Motor Show (or New York International Auto Show, to give it its full name), Honda has revealed their sportier Civic Si ahead of time, both in sedan and coupe form.
Last November in Los Angeles, the Japanese marque did show off what we now know to be a nearly unchanged ‘prototype’ of the Si. Like that car, the production version will feature the a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine - the same we’re now familiar with in the 10th-generation Civic sedan - but boosted to 153kW with 260Nm of peak torque.
Paired solely to a short-throw six-speed manual transmission, and the Si can really be thought of as a light version of the more bonkers Civic Type R. A four door option mean that no practicality sacrifices need to be made either and the refreshing lack of any outrageous exterior furnishings translate to a car that’s only slightly less inconspicuous, but no less tasteful, than a standard Civic.
For reference, the same engine in the vanilla 10th-gen Civic sedan produces 127kW and 220Nm. Meaty, sure, but we suspect the absence of the CVT transmission, best of breed though it is, opens up previously untravelled avenues to really enjoy this still-new motor.
The engine might be the main attraction here, but Honda has outfitted the Si with even more improvements under the skin to complement the extra shove. Its steering system has been upgraded and so has the suspension. It’s firmer but also sharper and there’s even standard adaptive dampers.
Larger brakes and 18-inch alloys are on offer too, while the interior benefits from a more cosseting pair of front sports seats but, apart from plenty of red stitching and an aluminium gear knob, is otherwise relatively unchanged.
The Civic Si has been a staple seller for Honda in the North American market, and this upcoming version hopes to build on that established fan base. However, we’re optimistic that the brand is coming around to the idea that buyers in many more markets may also be itching for a sportier Civic but would stop short of taking delivery of a less sensible and rather expensive Type R.
Both body styles of the next Civic Si are due for launch in May. This time around, however, Honda is making a bigger noise about their new Si and its public unveil in New York next week, possibly indicating that the are indeed planning to offer it in more markets. Hopefully, Australia is on that shortlist.
For more on Honda vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
