Honda is back and this time, they have brought a major change to their Civic! The auto manufacturer has upgraded its VTEC engine with its first ever turbocharging feature. The Si lacks the traditional two-stage VTEC variable valve timing and lift, instead of using Honda’s variable timing control (VTC).
The VTC in this application is limited to camshaft phasers, a technology common in almost all engines, and not the multiple cam profiles that gave VTECs of yore their famous scream. Here’s a closer look at the Hond Civic Si.
Under the Hood
Despite its radically different engine philosophy, the direct-injected, turbocharged 1.5-liter inline four in the new car makes 205 horsepower—identical to the last Si’s naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four. Its 192 lb-ft of torque is up by 18 lb-ft over its predecessor, however. And those peak output numbers come at lower rpm than they did before (horsepower at 5700 and torque at 2100), which should make the Si a better daily driver. But we were hoping for more power in a world where 220-hp Volkswagen GTIs, 252-hp Ford Focus STs, and 268-hp Subaru WRXs exist.
Tech-Upgrade
The new mill comes a new bit of technology that could make some hardcore Si fans upset. Gone is Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing and lift.
The automaker’s camshaft variable timing control (VTC) technology, which is limited to the intake camshaft and is always active, optimising engine performance and efficiency at any given rpm, replaces the VTEC technology.
Standard equipment is generous and includes automatic climate control, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Inside the Beast
Inside, red stitching throughout, faux carbon fibre and red digital gauge cluster appeal to the idea the Si is a sporty car. The seats, with red embossed Si logos, are more heavily bolstered. Standard features include heated front seats, automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers and a 450-watt, 10-speaker sound system.
Price-Tag
Honda says the Civic Si will start in the mid-$20,000s, right in the ballpark of those more powerful competitors from VW, Ford, and Subaru, all of which carry base prices in the $25,000-to-$27,000 neighbourhood.
First-Look
Stay tuned to Brandsyanrio for more news and updates.
Source: Auto Week, Car and Driver
