The 2002/3 Honda
Civic Si is back and in it's original hatchback form. But,
is this new model a worthy successor to the much heralded
and affordable enthusiast based Civic of yore? That remains
to be seen, however I will give you my take on it thus far.
The Civic Si returns after a 2-year absence although in it's
more traditional form...the hatchback. Power remains unchanged
at 160 hp, but the way the new 2.0 liter engine makes it's
gruff has been changed for the better by Honda despite losing
some top end screamability in the RPM rev range.
Honda has increased Torque by
20% to make 132 ft lbs, versus the older car's (insert here) ft
lbs. What this means to the average driver is that there is more
useable motivation in the new engine, and coupled with the new
i-VTEC (intelligent continuously variable valve timing and electronic
lift control…or some such) the new Civic Si's motor makes
for a more useful and flexible range of power and torque anywhere
in the rev band instead of really cooking only at the top end.
This means better launch capability and better high gear passing
power for everyday use. The new car will still wind it out and
get down to business when the pedal is to the metal so don't let
a slight change in the top number that little tach needle will
raise to fool you. I for one welcome the extra torque, and despite
the lower redline on the new car you'll be hard pressed to notice
once you're driving along and thrashing it about your favorite
auto cross course or track.
But before you do that...let's
talk about the running gear, chassis, styling, utility, and driving
dynamics of the new car. Where shall we start? Let's start with
one of the more controversial aspects of the new hatchback Civic
Si. The exterior body styling is loved by few and hated by a vocal
majority, with small percentage left undecided. I tend to fall
into the smaller undecided group of people as I can see definite
potential in the design to be quite racy and purposeful, of course
only when I look to the Euro and Japanese market Civic Type-R
models on which the U.S. Civic Si is based. Unfortunately Honda
of America has taken an odd stance on this new car in regards
to standard options and equipment. They assume the majority of
customers will be plunging money into it only a few payments into
a new Civic Si and by that I guess they figure there's no need
to adorn the car with a nice body kit or aero package, exhaust
or host of other possible amenities that many of the Si's competitors
include for less or the same money. But we'll get to that later,
I'm getting off kilter here. The new hatchback design resembles
the much Larger Honda Odyssey mini van and plenty of the enthusiast
crowd who is accustomed to a more distinct shape have made a case
for dismissing it as unworthy of the Si namesake in favor of their
more familiarly designed cars. At the same time those same enthusiasts
are hard pressed to make a case against the more aggressive and
highly capable Civic Type-R which in reality is the same body
with a few aero and cosmetic aids...of course there's the engine
and such, but we're talking styling for now. The weakest link
visually on the outside of the car are the meager 15" alloy
wheels and an obvious stab at comfort for the American market
in the tire choice.
On the inside things look up...way
up. The interior design is all new and specific to the new Civic
Si hatchback and is worlds apart in function and fashion compared
to the rest of the line up. Taking cues again, from the other
world market Type-R, yet toned down a bit are the superbly styled
and supportive seats adorned in an alcantara-like (simulation
suede) material which not only hold you still in hard cornering
but is much preferred to leather or cloth in a aggressive driving
sense. There is plenty of bolstering in the supports and they
feel like they were lifted right out of a purpose built track
car. However, standing at 6' tall I feel the need to lower the
seat height a bit to get more comfortable with the commanding
view of the road, but there is no adjustment to be had. It's immediately
apparent that cars are getting taller these days, and even in
enthusiast based cars like the Civic Si you are going to pay the
price for what I think is the ever growing presence of the SUV
and large truck on local roads. You trade a lower center of gravity
for visibility and at times it really does feel disconcerting.
In front of you is a steering wheel that is small, beefy and of
excellent design... and if I'm not mistaken is lifted directly
from the Acura RSX (or new Honda Integra in other parts of the
world).
In your hand this steering
wheel seems to work in concert with the rest of the interior
to give the driver a uniquely sporty and driver focused
feel. Hardly 12 inches away at about 5 o'clock low is
the weird looking shifter. Jutting straight out of the
dash instead of the more traditional floor, the "rally
inspired" shifter (as Honda calls it) is topped by
a leather covered knob that looks just about the same
as the ones that can be found in the NSX, and TL, CL type-S
cars in Acura's line up.
The more you look at it the weirder
it seems, but all the strange assumptions are thrown right out
the window when taken into hand. From the wheel the new shifter
is mounted delightfully close and upon use has wonderfully short
throws and tight gates. It's more natural than it seems and may
actually spark a design trend. That is of course if the outside
styling would catch on...if not the entire car may be considered
a flop, unjustly of course since the interior treatment is a triumph
in design and function for the enthusiast driver. The white/creme
faced gauges are easy to read and add a bit more of a sporty ambience
to the otherwise plain interior. I would prefer that the tach
be the largest of the three main gauges in the binnacle instead
of the speedometer but the larger portion of the American population
has more use for the latter. The interior plastics are of an expected
quality, nothing special yet not downright terrible. Apart from
the obvious innovations in the new Si's interior and aside from
the shape of the dash there's not much else to say. Headroom and
back seat legroom are great! I could sit behind the driver's seat
with plenty of legroom and with the passenger seat moved all the
way aft, there was plenty of room to move around provided the
passenger didn't lean the seat too much. I was very impressed
with space. A quick mention: cargo space is moderate, but nothing
to write home about. With folding seats it is more than adequate
for the occasional hauling of goods.
Once you start up the quiet little
i-VTEC engine there is very little commotion and about the same
audible enthusiasm from the engine. Slipping the shifter into
first requires little effort or movement from your hand and clutch
take up is surprisingly VERY VERY VERY light. Light to a fault
in my opinion. Yes, it's easy as all heck to drive, but I need
a little more clutch feedback to feel like I am driving and enthusiast
based car. Save these pressure plates for the Civic sedan EX please
and give me some feedback. In contrast to that opinion, it does
make the car quite a bit easier to drive for most people and a
great first standard transmission learning car and may be a good
choice for the Si and it's intended market demographic. (I can
see you cringe now) Once in gear, the turning radius is very tight
and steering feedback seems very nicely weighted and balanced.
Very impressive so far. Once you get on the gas a bit, if you
really pay attention you can feel and hear the i-VTEC system take
over on wide open throttle and the new torque of the little motor
is obvious in it's willingness to pull right up to the 6800 RPM
redline. There is no noticeable kick in like when the older VTEC
system switched cams, the new engine seems very linear and responsive.
Some might find that disheartening, but it does make for a more
useable power band throughout the rev range. Shift into the next
gear and let your senses take in the moment. There is a slight,
very pleasing, mechanical brashness that can be heard from the
little power plant in front of you each time you shift the smooth
and precise little four as it starts to make you doubt your own
qualms from your first visual impression. Find a nice tight turn
and heel/toe down a gear (which the pedals are placed perfectly
for), grab the wheel and turn the car into it while you witness
the amazing clarity of the chassis and suspension's ability to
eat turns with precision and bite. This is where you'll notice
the very minimal body roll for this type of car and the sure stance
that it takes while entering and exiting the apex. At the same
time you realize the noise you are hearing and the meager speed
you are traveling could be fixed while changing the character
of the entire experience with a larger wheel/tire package. The
car's weakest technical link is found immediately. And it keeps
revealing it ‘self every chance it gets.
Those tires have got to go.
I don't know what Honda was thinking in cladding a car like
this with such grossly inadequate rubber, given the target
audience and purpose for this car. The suspension and chassis
tuning on the other hand are great. From what I understand
the American market Si gives very little away to the almost
identical running gear of the more aggressive and highly applauded
Civic Type-R. And it shows. I think there is huge potential
for fun with the car as prepared from the factory, given one
replaces the poorly chosen tire and wheel choice.
Cosmetic aero aids are optional...yet
I recommend it to satisfy a somewhat mundane look that we in the
U.S. have been unfairly faced with. Given the Si's 2744 pound
curb weigh, the engine specs, and the chassis/suspension dynamics,
this is one heck of a car to go romping around in, and as Hondas
are...reliable everyday transportation too.
Is it worth it? At the asking price
of around 19,000$ plus the usual dealer installed options (which
on lots I personally saw them asking 21,000$) the answer is a
common "Not on your life pal" (hold that thought). With
the small list of options and lack of standard side airbags and
other features, coupled with the styling and lack of appropriate
wheels/tires makes me wonder if Honda has lost it's mind. Let's
just say you pay 19,000$ for the Si at MSRP. You're buying this
car as an enthusiast more than likely, or at least an informed
automotive shopper if you're reading this article. You're going
to want the most you can get for your buck at just about 20K$.
Agree? So right off the bat you need to change the wheels/tires
to get 80% of the wonderful potential out of the car right out
of the box. Then, since you are sick of your friends calling you
a soccer mom because of your new Si's mini van-like styling, you
are then contemplating another 1-2K on a body kit with installation
(and NO apparently the Type-R body cladding doesn't seem to fit
on the U.S. spec car...weird). Let's face it, the Civic Si, is
an enthusiast brand these days, and the competition aimed directly
at this price point has a whole lot more to offer. I could go
into the scores of similarly priced cars that outgun it in many
values per dollar aspects but I'll refrain for now. Don't let
these last few statements stop you just yet. It's somehow become
a common phenomenon to get a VERY good deal on the new Si at dealers
nationwide. Invoice has been known to be throw at customers without
them even asking (email to ask me about my near buying experience),
and there have also been reports of even MORE of a discount to
move an Si. Unfortunately it seems that Honda is not selling the
new Si as successfully as they had hoped, and chalk it up to styling
or the new price point for the under whelming impression the car
gives, they are NOT walking off dealer lots. Deals are to be had
and at an invoice price point of a mid to high 17,000$ mark the
question of "is it worth it" seems harder to answer.
That is of course IF you fall into the majority of people who
hold the styling and on paper motor specs questionable. If you
like the car from head to toe anyway, the answer to that question
becomes a resounding "Where do I sign!?" and I can sympathize
with that notion.
After driving the new Civic
Si, the car's shortcomings and seemingly watered down
presence fades and you are left with a clear picture of
a wonderfully engineered little hatchback capable of just
about anything you throw at it. Although I don't prefer
the tire/wheel set up we get here in the U.S., I think
they make for a very quiet and comfortable ride. And if
you live up north, some shielding against the horrendously
potholed and rough roads.
In all it's a questionable bargain
at Honda's asking price...but if you are able to get a great deal
on one just collecting dust and bird droppings at local dealers
then by all means go for it. You can't go wrong with i-VTEC pumping
out a healthy 160 hp, 132 ft lbs torque, great chassis, 2744 lbs
curb weight, those awesome seats, steering wheel, and shifter.
Not to mention it's a Honda and will serve you for years and years
to come with minimal fuss with regular oil changes and a little
love.
