The sporty Honda Civic Si coupe is back

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(October 1, 2017) After a brief hiatus, Honda has brought back its sporty Si Civic for 2017. The new model is lighter, stiffer, faster and better equipped than ever before. Available in both a coupe and sedan, the Si adds distinctive and unique features to the exterior, interior and under the hood. Si is on a very short list of car
s that are both affordable and truly fun to drive.

Si proves that you don’t need massive horsepower and foot-wide tires to have exhilarating driving dynamics, let alone tireless fun behind the wheel.

Believe me I love the thrill of driving those cars with 500 to 700 license-losing horsepower. But the Si’s 205 horsepower is enough, especially because the car weighs only 2,800 pounds. The car feels quick. 



In the Civic’s 44-year history, this is its 10th remake. The lineup features more than 20 different variants. The Si is differentiated by glossy black “solid wing” grille with larger lower air intakes, a rear deck spoiler and a central mounted exhaust pipe. 18-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels with 235-series low-profile tires complete the exterior look. Our test Si was finished in an attention-getting Energy Green Pearl paint color that’s exclusive to the Coupe. It’s not to everyone’s liking, but one I would definitely choose.



Inside, most of the standard-issue Civic trim remains. However, the Si includes heavily bolstered heated front seats with red stitching, and an embossed “Si” logo on the upper seat backs. The red stitching carries through to the doors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot. Materials look and feel premium.

Our biggest disappointment came with the infotainment system that includes both AppleCarplay and Android Auto, but requires the operator to perform all functions through the touchscreen. There are absolutely no knobs or buttons. Want to change the radio station or volume of the radio? You’ll have to touch the display screen, which isn’t easy or particularly safe while you are driving.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s similar to the engine used in other Honda Civics, with 174-horsepower. But the Si’s horsepower jumps to 205 thanks to a larger turbocharger, increased intake and exhaust flow. The Si is only available in with a six-speed manual transmission that shifts smoothly with quick, short throws.

As expected with sporty cars of this nature, the steering is on the firm side. But it didn’t give as much feedback as I would have liked or expected. The suspension was a disappointment, however. The ride is very firm, and you’ll feel every bump and road imperfection. Summer tires are available as a $200 option; that should improve the ride.

Handling is predictable with a noticeable tendency for the Si to understeer in tight corners. No surprise for front-wheel drive cars. Additionally, the clutch pedal is too light with a vague engagement point, making it difficult to make smooth shifts without a herky-jerky sensation. Quite annoying actually.

Two driving modes are offered: normal and sport. The latter fine tunes the power steering, throttle response, stability control thresholds and stiffens the adaptive dampers. Sport mode is turned on or off from a button near the center console-mounted gearshift.

Honda Sensing (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, etc.) is not available on the Civic Si. LaneWatch (a passenger-side mirror-mounted camera actuated with the right-turn signal) is standard. Also standard are a rearview camera, auto up/down front windows, and cruise control.

While the 2017 Honda Civic Coupe was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and received an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it’s important to note that Honda hasn’t made forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking available at all on the Si, a feature that should be standard equipment.

A week-long loan of the Si left us wanting more drive time. In blending aggressive styling, performance, and an agile drive quotient with affordability, Honda scores a winning combination. It looks great and is more than fun to drive. If you’re looking for a sporty car on a budget we think the Si — priced at just $2,300 above the Civic EX-T — is a worthy vehicle for consideration.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $23,900 - $24,100
Price as Tested: $24,975
Seating: 5
Engine: 1.5-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 205
Transmission: 6-Speed manual
Fuel Economy: 28-MPG City – 38-MPG Highway

Competes With:
Ford Focus ST
Mini Cooper S
Subaru WRX
Volkswagen Golf GTI

Fab Features:
Looks fantastic in Energy Green Pearl
Extra horsepower and a slick 6-speed shifter
Handsome 18” wheels