What’s the most fun you can have for under $20k? Well, if we’re talking automotive, the Civic Si has got to rate pretty high!  This is

A true corner carver, the Civic Coupe Si is a favourite. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

one screaming little compact that’ll change the way you drive, and believe me it won’t slow you down.

Available as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan, the Civic Si isn’t the most powerful sport-compact on the market, but that hardly matters when zinging the engine to 8,500 rpm or flinging it through tight curves.  Yah, it’s one of the best handling front-drivers anywhere and I’m going to go on record by saying its 2.0-litre four-cylinder is the sweetest four cylinder this side of Honda’s own 2.2-litre four found in the S2000. 

It’s the way the engine transforms from an almost tame Jekyll to a wild and ferocious Hyde past 6,000 rpm on its way up to its 197hp peak at 7,800, and really I can’t help but wind it right out to 8,500 just to hear its sweet song.  Torque is not its forte, squeaking by with just 139 lb-ft available at a rather lofty 6,100 rpm, but once launched this is hardly an issue as the engine revs so freely it quickly spins up to peak performance and the rest is pure playtime! 

Also brilliant is the Si’s standard six-speed manual transmission, and the fact that no automatic is available speaks volumes about the car’s purpose and target market.  The Si is no poser.  It’s got the goods such as 17-inch alloy rims on P21/45R17 all-season shoes, a limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension, an aluminum and leather shifter knob, and it delivers.  Sure there’s a large rear wing spoiler with questionable downforce properties, fog lights that look sweet but will rarely get used, heated leather seats, and premium audio system with seven speakers,

Slightly lighter than the four-door, the Coupe Si is serious fun. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

USB connectivity and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, but these items are expected in this class and for most are appreciated.  Other expected items include perforated leather around that tilt and telescopic steering wheel, powered windows, powered and heated mirrors, a power sunroof, and variable intermittent wipers. 

You might also appreciate the Si’s standard traction and stability control, neither item negatively affecting performance, but the latter technology there to save the day if you get overzealous in slippery conditions.  ABS-enhanced four-wheel discs are also part of the safety package, as are standard side and curtain-type airbags. 

Where

Other than some detailing it a high-quality Civic inside. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

the Sedan Si is the easiest to live with, the Coupe Si is slightly more performance oriented, and I’m not just talking styling.  Its weight, at 1,314 kg (2,896 lbs), is 31 kilos (68 lbs) lighter than the four-door, giving it an acceleration and handling advantage, while the coupe’s 50-mm (1.9-inch) shorter wheelbase makes for greater agility in the corners. 

And boy does it handle.  Even around my rural neighbourhood it was sensational, but the real test came last year when I ran one through the Laguna Seca race course and felt more in control than with many cars that cost tens of thousands more.  I was making time on hyper-powered muscle cars whose drivers couldn’t get the most out of their big block engines due to less wieldy chassis’ and inexperience

The seats are fabulous! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

with wild and woolly rear drive monsters.  The Civic Si is all about control and makes a less experienced driver feel like a hero, Coupe or Sedan. 

The Coupe Si is a little smaller than the Sedan Si inside, of course, especially for rear occupants, and its cargo hold is 13 litres (0.5 cu ft) smaller at 327 litres (11.5 cu ft). 

Fuel consumption is the same, however, and the thirstiest in the Civic lineup at 10.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.8 on the highway. 

Six-speed manual is brilliant! (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Worse, it requires premium-unleaded fuel, bumping up the pump price significantly. 

My guess, mind you, is that a few jabs at the throttle and turns of the wheel will have you more than willing to pay extra for this jewel of an engine’s requirements, and its 5-year 100,000 km powertrain warranty will give you some peace of mind as you rev it to the stratosphere.  It’s 3-year, 60,000 km comprehensive bumper-to-bumper warranty isn’t as long as some competitors’ coverage, however there’s one bonus that some of these competitors don’t offer, a Made in Canada stamp. 

Personally,

Rear seating is good for a coupe in the compact class. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

I’m starting to buy into the concept of buying Canadian in order to support our economy, and to that end the Si is built in Alliston, Ontario, employing Canadians and putting money back into our economy.  I’m not one to look to the government to intervene with protectionist policies, believing that it’s up to us to make sound economic choices.  Fortunately there are very good cars, like Honda’s gasoline-powered Civic lineup, that fall into the Made in Canada category. 

A superb car, the Civic Coupe Si is one of my all-time favourite rides, a road and track companion that has few peers.  If you’re serious about fun, safe performance, then you should pay the little Si some heed.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(J003) Standard Metallic Paint

(J005) Standard Gloss Paint