Honda Civic Si
| Honda Civic Si | |
|---|---|
 2015 Honda Civic Si Coupe (FG4 (US); facelift) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
| Production | 1984–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sport compact |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related | Honda Civic |
The Honda Civic Si is a sport compact trim of Civic by Honda. The Si (Sport Injected) trim was introduced for the third generation of Honda Civics in both Japan and North America. In Canada and elsewhere the trim became known as the SiR for the sixth and seventh generations, and the Si trim was equivalent to the USDM EX model.[1][2]
For the Japanese and European markets, the Civic Type R was adopted as the high-performance variant of the Civic, starting with the EK9 hatch for Japan in 1996 and then with the EP3 hatch for Europe in 2001. In North America the Type R name was never used until the 2017 model year with the launch of the Honda Civic Type R. Previous to this the Si label was the highest in North America(except for Acura vehicles). The Civic Si contrasts with the more track-oriented and spartan Type R, which has less sound deadening and amenities in return for better performance. The Civic Si has been positioned as more of a full-featured sport trim, featuring luxury options such as a sunroof and a seven speaker audio system.
1984–1987
Honda first adopted the Si badge for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) third-generation Civic in November 1984. Mainly offered in hatchback form, the main aesthetic difference for the Si was a slight bulge in the hood, which accommodated the taller DOHC engine. A four-door sedan variant also existed in Japan, but was only produced in small numbers and is rare. Designated as ZC1 in Japan and D16A1 in Europe, the new engine put out 118 hp (88 kW), enabling the car to hit 122 mph (196 km/h) and go from 0–60 mph in 8.9 seconds. Since compact cars at the time typically made less than 100 hp (75 kW), the Si proved popular amongst enthusiasts. In 1986, the Si trim was extended to the Civic hatchback, offering the same powertrain of the CRX Si but with four-seats. Added improvements for the Civic Si hatchback included a removable glass sunroof, a five-speed manual gearbox, tilt steering wheel, a full-width taillight panel, a color-keyed front airdam, sedan-style disk wheel covers, and a roof spoiler. Like the CRX Si, the Si hatchback was powered by a 91 hp (68 kW), 12-valve SOHC engine designated EW4/D15A3 (the latter code was used for the 1987 model year but with the same specs). The Civic Si also saw a release in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, sharing specifications similar to those of the American-market Si.
1988–1991
Initially, the Civic Si hatchback was absent from the lineup, with only the CRX Si offered for the 1988 model year. That changed, however, for 1989, and the Civic Si hatchback was reintroduced, along with a 3-hp upgrade for the D16 engine across all Si trims (making 108 hp, 1988 CR-X Si 105 hp). This was the sportiest US market Civic, only available as a hatchback. The engine fitted was the D16A6 16-valve SOHC with 4-point injection and output of 108 hp (81 kW). It weighed in at 2,286 lb (1,037 kg), achieving a factory 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 8.1 seconds; and a quarter-mile time of 16.2 seconds at 82 mph (132 km/h).
The main standard features of the Si trim were the power sun roof/moon roof, tachometer, passenger door mirror, color matched bumpers, dash clock, larger exhaust, front and rear anti-roll bars, 14" steel wheels with covers, and slightly deeper bucket sport seats. There was no power steering and no automatic transmission available (except in Canada). Additional options were air conditioning and fog lights, as well as the different Honda Genuine Accessory alloy wheels.[3] In other markets, more powerful D16A7 and D16A9 engines were used instead, which made 122 hp (91 kW) and 132 hp (98 kW) respectively.
Compared to the previous generation, the Civic Si saw an improvement in handling, in part due to the double-wishbone suspension at all four corners and lower wind drag due to the sleeker body shape. As with all other trims, the Civic Si received a slight visual upgrade in late 1989, featuring revised bumpers and tail lights.
Due to the difference in engine output and modification potential between the American and JDM models, the second-generation Si sparked a popular trend of engine swapping, where tuners would replace the D-series power plant with a more powerful B-series motor.[4]
1992–1995
The 1992-1995 Civic Si model featured disc brakes, a power moonroof with tilt, cruise control, a dashboard clock, a 9,000 rpm tachometer with a 7,200 rpm redline, plastic wheel covers on 14 inch wheels, power side mirrors (body coloured, beginning in 1993), body-coloured door handles, and a 125 hp (93 kW) 1.6 L single-overhead cam D16Z6 VTEC engine with manual transmission. It enabled the car to hit 0–60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 16.3 seconds at 86 mph (138 km/h).[5] VTEC activated on the intake side and not the exhaust side, which was the result of the spark plug blocking the area where the cam follower would be. In 1994, rear speakers and optional ABS were also added.
1996–2000
The Honda Civic Si was not sold in the US during model years 1996-1998. It started production again for the 1999 and 2000 model years.
After a brief hiatus, the Civic Si reappeared in 1999, available as a coupé only. With the adoption of the VTi badge in Europe and the SiR and Type R badges in Japan for the sports variants of Civics, the Si became primarily a US-specific badge, a branding trend that would continue in subsequent Civic generations. Accelerating from 0-60 in 7.1 seconds, the 1999 Civic Si trim package featured a 1.6-litre B16A2 engine that made 160 hp (119 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 111 ft-lbs of torque at 7,000 rpm. While similar to the powerplant in the Del Sol VTEC, the Civic Si saw some notable differences, which include a larger throttle body, improved intake manifold, strengthened connecting rods, low-friction/high-silicon pistons, a fully counterweighted crankshaft, and an exhaust system with larger-diameter piping. Due to its good fuel economy (27/31 city/hwy MPG), and a more popular coupe form, the trim package garnered a dedicated following in spite of its short production cycle.[6]
Changes from the standard Civic included stiffer, progressive-rate springs, stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars, and a tower brace, which contributed to a flatter-cornering ride. It was available with a five-speed manual transmission only, standard equipment also including disc brakes all around. Aesthetic exterior changes from the LX/EX trims were minimal, with the Si trim package featuring a lower-profile and wider 15-inch wheel/tire package, a subtle chin-spoiler, painted side sills, and Si badging. There are power locks, power windows, a CD player, cruise control, air conditioning, power sunroof, and tilt steering.[7] For the interior, the sixth generation Si also had tilt adjustment for the bottom cushion, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, and red-faced instrumentation with Si branding.
2001–2005
The EP3 Civic Si of the USA and EP3 Civic SiR of Canada was marketed as North American version of European EP3 Honda Civic Type R. Unlike other generations of the Civic Si, this Si was not produced in Canada or the United States, and it does not share a body style or interior with the USDM Civic (offered only in sedan and coupé forms) sold there. Instead, the 2002-05 Civic Si is manufactured in Swindon, England, and exported to Canada and the United States. The Si/SiR was the only trim available for the hatchback style in Canada and the United States.[8][9][10] The Civic Si returned to form as a hatchback, after having been sold only as a coupé in the previous generation. The body shape of this model was based on the "New Bullet-Form" concept, which aimed to create a more dynamic look and provide greater stability while travelling on highways or winding country roads. The interior layout also distinguished itself from other Civic Si generations with a dash-mounted shifter.
Shifting away from the 1.6 liter B-series engine, the seventh generation Civic Si adopted the K-series K20A3 engine used in the Acura RSX base model rated at 160 bhp (120 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 132 lbf⋅ft (179 N⋅m) at 5,000 rpm.[11] With a redline of 6,800 rpm, the Si distanced itself from the narrow, high-rpm powerband engine of its predecessor, and as a result saw a 20 percent increase in torque. Performance was relatively underwhelming compared to the competition; the switch to MacPherson struts from double-wishbone suspension resulted in less responsive handling, and a near-150 lb (68 kg) increase in weight to 2,744 lb (1,245 kg) contributed to slower acceleration than the lighter '99-'00 Si.[12] The new front suspension did allow for a tighter turning radius than the better handling wishbone setup used earlier. Much of the weight gain is attributed to the chassis' stouter structure when compared to the previous generation hatchback, with the '02 Si boasting an increase in torsional rigidity by 95 percent and a bending rigidity increase of 22 percent.[13]
2006–2011
| Eighth generation Si (FA5/FG2) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2006–2011 |
| Assembly |
Alliston, Ontario, Canada (HCM) Sumaré, São Paulo, Brazil (Honda Brazil) (from January 2008–present) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
2-door coupe (FG2) 4-door sedan (FA5) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
2.0L 197 hp (147 kW; 200 PS) I4 2.0L 192 hp (143 kW; 195 PS) (Brazil) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with a helical limited slip differential |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
104.3 in (2,649 mm) (coupe) 106.3 in (2,700 mm) (sedan) |
| Length |
174.8 in (4,440 mm) (2006–08 coupe) 175.5 in (4,458 mm) (2009–11 coupe) 176.7 in (4,488 mm) (sedan) 177.3 in (4,503 mm) (2009–11 sedan) |
| Width |
68.9 in (1720 mm) (coupe) 69.0 in (1750 mm) (sedan) |
| Height |
53.5 in (1340 mm) (2006-08 coupe) 56.5 in (1420 mm) (sedan) |
| Curb weight |
2,877 lb (1,305 kg) (2006 coupe) 2,886 lb (1,309 kg) (2007-08 coupe) 2,899 lb (1,315 kg) (2009 coupe) 2,895 lb (1,313 kg) (2010-11 coupe) 2,945 lb (1,336 kg) (2007-08 sedan) 2,954 lb (1,340 kg) (2009-11 sedan) |
The Si was redesigned for the 2006 model year along with all other Civic trims, bringing about significant changes from the previous generation. The car comes with a 2.0-liter K20Z3 i-VTEC engine that produces 197 hp (147 kW; 200 PS) and 139 lbf⋅ft (188 N⋅m) of torque, while also including a 6-speed manual transmission with a helical limited slip differential. Forty percent stiffer spring and dampening rates from the non-Si trims and stiffer sway bars have bolstered the Civic Si's handling,[14] with the car achieving 0.90g (8.8 m/s2) of lateral acceleration on the skidpad. It is also the quickest Civic Si off the line, with a factory 0–60 time of 6.7 seconds according to Honda.[15] Some new features include a moonroof, a seven-speaker 360-watt sound system, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R17 Michelin all-season tires, and key-less trunk access.
In Canada, the Acura CSX Type-S was offered in 2007, borrowing the engine and drivetrain from the Civic Si but offering additional luxury options such as leather seating. The CSX features similar front and rear fascias to the JDM Civic, but with slight differences—the CSX has a crease running along the center of the hood and front bumper, whereas the JDM does not.[16]
In Europe the Si and the Type-S models were offered, with the Type-S in the 3 door configuration the Type-R is based on and the Si in the 5 door, but both going without the 198bhp 2.0L engine. No saloon version was offered in Europe.
The 2007 model changes for the Civic Si include the addition of the Si trim for sedans, vehicle stability assist (VSA) (not available on Canadian models until the 2010 and 2011 model years), darker silver wheels, body-color grille, a deck lid spoiler, reversed red/black coloring on the odometer, and Si-embroidered front floor mats. The introductory price of the Si Coupe increased by $800 to the MSRP of $21,090. In 2017, 10 years after its original release, the 2007 model was recalled due to a defect in the vehicle's airbags, where it could potentially explode in front of the driver and its occupants when activated in both minor and major accidents, posing a threat to passengers.
For the 2008 model year, the Civic Si received minor tweaks that include even darker wheels than the 2007 model and a new shift boot with red stitching. Mechanical changes included a new tire pressure monitor system, a new rear upper arm that decreases the amount of rear camber, and a lowered spring rate for the coupe to match the sedan. This was also the first year Canada sold the Civic Si Sedan.
Vehicle color selections:
- Fiji Blue Pearl (Si-exclusive color, replaced by Dyno Blue Pearl in 09)
- Galaxy Grey Metallic (replaced by Polished Metal Metallic in 09)
- Habanero Red Pearl (Si-exclusive color, replaced by Redline Orange Pearl in 09)
- Nighthawk Black pearl (replaced by Crystal Black Pearl in 09)
- Rally Red
- Taffeta White
- Alabaster Silver Metallic
Civic Si Sedan
Honda introduced the Civic Si Sedan for North America in 2007; previously, only the Japanese market had been offered Si Sedans.[17] Debuted at the Chicago Auto Show, the Si sedan concept featured larger 18-inch alloy wheels than its coupe counterpart, along with 4-piston Brembo brakes, and large cross drilled brake rotors. The production version lacked such concept accoutrements, and the Si Sedan is mechanically almost identical to the coupe. Performance of the Si sedan is roughly equivalent to the Si coupe; the sedan's 60-pound (27 kg) weight increase is offset by a slightly more balanced front/rear weight distribution (60/40 for the sedan versus 61/39 for the coupe).[18]
Civic Mugen Si Sedan
The 2008 model year also brought into production the limited-edition 2008 Civic Mugen Si Sedan, which was announced at the 2007 SEMA Show.[19] The Mugen sedan came only in Fiji Blue Pearl, and featured a higher-flowing cat-back exhaust, track-tested sport suspension, an exclusive Mugen grille, an exclusive shift knob, Mugen Si badges on the exterior and interior, Mugen forged GP wheels, and a Mugen body kit custom designed for the American trim. Production was limited to only 1000 units, and the car carried an MSRP of $29,500.[20] Testing by Car and Driver magazine determined that the acceleration of the Mugen Si was roughly equivalent to that of the standard Civic Si coupe.[21]
2009 refresh
Changes for the 2009 Si included a revised front bumper and grille, turn signals with clear-lenses and amber bulbs for the front and rear, a clear instead of red third brake light in the rear spoiler, and chrome trunk trim for the sedan. Several new colors were also introduced, such as Redline Orange Pearl, Dyno Blue, Polished Metal Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl, replacing the previously similar colors.
The 2010 Civic Si saw no significant changes, save for a black engine cover (instead of silver).
2009 Honda Civic Si Sedan (FA5 (US); facelift)
2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe (FG2 (US); facelift)
2012–2015
| Ninth generation Si (FB6/FG4) | |
|---|---|
 2012 Honda Civic Si Sedan (FB6 (US); pre-facelift) | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2011–2015 |
| Assembly | Alliston, Ontario, Canada (HCM) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
4-door sedan (FB6) 2-door coupe (FG4) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4L 205 hp (153 kW; 208 PS) K24Z7 I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with Helical Limited-Slip Differential |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
Coupe: 103.1 in (2,619 mm) Sedan: 103.1 in (2,619 mm) |
| Length |
Coupe: 176.1 in (4,473 mm) Sedan: 177.3 in (4,503 mm) |
| Width | 69.0 in (1,753 mm) |
| Height |
Coupe: 55.0 in (1,397 mm) Sedan: 56.5 in (1,435 mm) |
| Curb weight |
2,877 lb (1,305 kg) (2012 Coupe) 2,895 lb (1,313 kg) (2012 Sedan) |
The 9th generation was the first generation to use a different engine than other models of the Honda Civic. The 9th generation Civic Si is available as a Coupe and as a Sedan. Honda uses a new 2.4L K-Series (K24Z7) which has increased displacement through longer piston stroke than the K20Z3 from the 8th generation Civic Si, yet the K24Z7 retains the 11.0:1 compression used in the K20Z3. The K24Z7 produces 201 hp and 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) of torque. Honda retuned the exhaust system in early 2014, increasing the output to 205 hp and 174 lb⋅ft (236 N⋅m) of torque.[22] The K24Z7 is different than the K24Z7 found in the Honda CR-V; the CR-V has lower compression and a different, efficiency-oriented VTEC design.
The redline of the K24Z7 is 7,000 rpm with a fuel cut at 7,200 rpm. A 6 speed manual transmission with a helical LSD (Limited Slip Differential) is still offered as the only available transmission option for the Civic Si.[23] The wing spoilers are different from the 8th generation, and the interior of the car received slight updates with the addition of a rev limit indicator and a power meter displayed in the new i-MID (intelligent Multi-Information Display). Sway bars have been changed to F18mm/R15mm from the F28mm/R17mm in 8th generation. The chassis is more rigid, and the curb weight is slightly lower than the 8th generation.
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Announced at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas a HFP (Honda Factory Performance) Version of the Civic was made available in a limited production of dealer installed performance parts which included:
- Lowered Suspension
- 18" HFP Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
- Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires sized in 215/40-18
- Full body Kit including front, rear and side skirts
- HFP Badging
- HFP Branded Floor mats
In Canada the production was limited to 400 (200 Black Coupes, 200 White Coupes). In the USA the production was limited to 500 available in all of the colors Honda Offered the Civic Si Coupe in. After the 2015 model year Honda did not produce the Civic Si for 2016, citing poor sales.[24]
2017–present
| Tenth generation Si | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Production | 2017–present |
| Assembly | Honda of Canada Manufacturing, Alliston, Ontario, Canada |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style |
4-door sedan 2-door coupe |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5L 205 hp (153 kW; 208 PS) I4 (turbo) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
The 2017 Honda Civic Si was revealed in a live YouTube broadcast on April 6, 2017. It is powered by a more powerful version of the turbocharged 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine used in other Civics.
The 2017 Honda Civic Si is based on the EX-T sedan and coupe with the following differences[25]:
- engine output increased to 205 HP @ 5,700 RPM (SAE net) and 192 lb-ft torque @ 2,100-5,000 RPM (SAE net)
- higher maximum boost pressure (20.3 vs. 16.5 PSI)
- lower compression ratio (10.3:1 vs. 10.6:1)
- higher-capacity MHI TD025 turbocharger (9-vane vs. 11-vane)
- helical limited-slip differential
- larger front brake rotors (12.3" vs. 11.1" vented front and 11.1" vs. 10.2" solid rear)
- two-mode damper system with normal and firm settings
- SPORT mode - increases suspension damping, reduces power steering assist, increases throttle sensitivity, and raises the activation threshold of the Vehicle Stability Assist system
- 235/40R18 91W tires vs. 215/50R17 91H
- 7% stiffer front spring rate
- 18% stiffer front upper damper mounts
- 7% stiffer front stabilizer bar rate
- 32% stiffer rear spring rate
- Solid vs. fluid-filled front and rear compliance bushings (rear shared with the Type R)
- High-stiffness rear upper control arms (shared with the Type R)
- 26% stiffer rear stabilizer bar rate
- Si-specific seats with thicker side bolsters, non-adjustable headrests, and stitched "Si" logos
- red interior stitching, gauges, and Display Audio color scheme
- black headliner and pillar trim vs. gray in EX-T
- front and rear facias similar to the hatchback
- center-mounted polygonal exhaust outlet
- higher-flowing intake system
- 23% higher-flowing exhaust system
- aluminum clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals
- carbon fiber-look interior trim
- 10% shorter shifter throw
- leather-wrapped, aluminum shift knob
- revised shift linkage
- increased rigidity of shifter bracket mount
- 450-watt audio system (same as EX-T coupe vs. 180-watt in EX-T sedan)
- additional items in Driver Information Display including G-force meter, turbo boost gauge with PSI indication, lap timer, throttle percentage, and brake pressure
- leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift boot, and shift knob
- premium fuel recommended
- tire repair kit including sealant and a 12-volt inflator replaces the compact, temporary spare
- vanity mirrors are non-illuminated vs. illuminated
- EPA fuel economy ratings of 28/38/32 city/highway/combined vs. 31/42/35
Exterior colors include Aegean Blue Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Modern Steel Metallic, Rallye Red, White Orchid Pearl, and Energy Green Pearl (coupe only). The only interior color is black with red accents. Features that are new to the Si for the first time include dual-mode dampers, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, electronic parking brake, walk-away auto door locking, and a 7" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Factory-equipped navigation is no longer available.
The Si went on sale during May 2017 in the United States with an MSRP of $24,775 for either the coupe or sedan. The sole factory option is summer tires for an additional $200.
Media coverage
In Insurance Bureau of Canada's report on top 10 most stolen vehicles in 2005, 2000 Honda Civic Si 2-door, 1999 Honda Civic Si coupe, 1994 Honda Civic Si 2-door Hatchback, 1995 Honda Civic Si 2-door Hatchback are listed as ranks #1, #2, #5, #8 respectively.[26] The sixth and seventh generation Civic Si was badged as a Civic SiR in Canada while the Canadian Si was equivalent to a US market EX. The Honda Civic is also the most popular passenger vehicle in Canada.
References
- ↑ "Honda » Test Drive: 2004 Honda Civic Si Sedan". CanadianDriver. 2004-04-30. Retrieved 2011-02-02.
- ↑ "Honda Civic SiR". Canadianautoreview.com. 2002-04-03. Retrieved 2010-12-19.
- ↑ Administrator. "CIVIC4G.COM - Honda Civic 4th Generation (1988-1991)". www.civic4g.com. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
- ↑ Kaehler, Justin (2006-02-10). "History of the Civic Si". IGN. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
- ↑ "Honda Civic Si". Car & Driver.
- ↑ "New Car/Review 1999 Honda Civic Si Coupe". The Auto Channel.
- ↑ iluilHonda Civic Review Edmunds
- ↑ "Test Drive: 2004 Honda Civic Si Sedan". Canadiandriver.com. 2004-04-30. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
- ↑ "Test Drive: 2002 Honda Civic SiR". Canadiandriver.com. 2002-07-19. Retrieved 2011-02-26.
- ↑
- ↑ "2003 Honda Civic Si Specs". JB car pages.
- ↑ "2002 Sport Hatchbacks Comparison Test". Edmunds.com.
- ↑ "2002 Honda Civic Si". Honda Worldwide.
- ↑ "2006 Honda Civic Chassis". Honda.
- ↑ "Mid-Size Coupe Comparison". Motor Trend.
- ↑ "Auto Buzz". ReportOnBusiness.com. Archived from the original on 2009-02-21.
- ↑ "Honda Civic Si Sedan Coming to Canada". CNW Group.
- ↑ "2007 Honda Civic Review". JB car pages.
- ↑ "Honda Announces Civic Mugen Si Sedan at SEMA". Honda.
- ↑ "2008 Honda Civic Review". JB car pages.
- ↑ "Honda Civic Mugen Si Short Take Road Test". Car and Driver. Archived from the original on 2008-05-19.
- ↑ "2014 Civic Si Ups the Ante with More Power, Higher Tech and Sportier Coupe Styling". Honda.
- ↑ "Build Your Civic". American Honda Motor Co.
- ↑ Honda Canada Inc. "Honda HFP". honda.ca.
- ↑ American Honda Inc. "Honda Civic Si Specifications". hondanews.com.
- ↑ "Top 10 stolen cars". MSN Finance.
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