Turbo-Happy 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe and Sedan Debut
The Honda Civic has stayed true to its 32-year-old formula of affordable, light, and high-revving entertainment. Debuting today via a live webcast, Honda revealed the production version of the turbocharged 2017 Honda Civic Si Coupe and Sedan – a first for the Si.
Providing the zip-and-go for the Civic Si is a high-performance, torquey 1.5-liter, turbocharged DOHC in-line 4-cylinder engine paired with a short-throw, six-speed manual transmission. According to Honda, the forced-induction four-banger cranks out 205 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 192 lb-ft torque at 2100-5000 rpm. With the turbocharger assisting with power production, peak horsepower arrives 1300 rpm lower in the rev range and peak torque is reached 2300 rpm earlier and sustained over 70 percent of the rev range when compared with the previous generation Si that was normally aspirated.
Seriously lighter than the previous generation, the new Civic Si boasts a stiffer body and upgraded chassis. Distinguishing the Si from the non-performance models are a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer spring rates, larger anti-roll bars, solid bushings, and ultra-rigid upper control arms shared with the Civic Type R.
Additional performance upgrades include a new active damper system with two driver-selectable modes – normal and sport, variable ratio steering system, helical limited-slip differential, bigger brakes and available high-performance tires.
Visual styling cues to spot when Si hits the streets are a black “wing” front fascia with larger side air vents front and rear, 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, a rear deck lid spoiler.
Occupants get to enjoy Si-exclusive sport seats with red stitching and Si logos, plus red accent stitching for the steering wheel and leather shift boot. The Si interior also features a red driver’s TFT meter and audio system illumination, aluminum sport pedals and Dry Metal Carbon instrument panel trim.
The new Civic Si Sedan and Coupe will go on sale next month with an MSRP in the mid-$20,000 range.