Honda unveiled its Civic Si concept in coupe form one year ago in Chicago. It's fitting, then, that the Si sedan gets introduced in the same place. The performance-oriented Si adds some sizzle to Honda's Civic lineup, thanks to high-strung variable-valve timing — Honda brands its i-VTEC — and a retuned suspension. With the Si sedan, Honda attracts an audience it says will be slightly older than those who drive the coupe. The automaker estimates 80 percent of buyers will be male.
Although the Civic Si first appeared in 1986, this is the first time two body styles have worn the Si badge simultaneously. Collectively they represent the seventh generation of Civics to wear the Si badge. Previous versions have included hatchback body styles.
The Civic Si sedan is technically a concept: cross-drilled brakes with Brembo rotors likely won't make it to production. But Honda does plans to sell the car this fall, and what will make it into showrooms is the Civic Si coupe's six-speed-manual transmission and 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine.
The engine's major shortcoming — underwhelming off-the-line push, with just 139 pounds-feet of torque at 6,200 rpm — will necessitate just as much rowing in the sedan as it does in the coupe. The weight of two extra doors should cause minimum performance losses: In EX trim, the Civic sedan weighs just 39 pounds more than the coupe.
In adapting the sedan's short rear deck and pedestrian lines to accommodate sporty Si character, Honda added subtle lower sill extensions and a giant rear spoiler. The spoiler is something most owners would have purchased aftermarket, so look on the bright side: In the Si sedan it's at least body-colored and includes a functional center brake light — that's not something you can say for many bolt-on, aluminum wings.
Look for the Civic Si coupe's 17-inch alloy wheels, limited-slip differential and performance-oriented interior to appear in the production sedan. A one-piece lower air dam, as fitted on all Civic sedans, will include the Si coupe's front-end lower extensions.
The Si sedan looks to represent a sensible entry into the sport sedan segment, with plenty of standard safety and convenience features. It will compete with other performance compact sedans such as the Toyota Corolla XRS and — if the rumor mill proves right — a Mazdaspeed version of the Mazda3. |
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