Honda Civic Si

Honda Civic Si
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 / hot hatch version of the Civic built by the Japanese automaker Honda. The Si trim was introduced for the third generation of Honda Civics in both Japan and North America. In Canada the trim became known as the SiR for the sixth and seventh generations, and the Si trim was equivalent to the USDM EX model.

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 has never been used for Civics, and the Si/SiR badge continues to signify the highest performance trim. 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, and has been positioned as more of a full-featured sport trim, featuring luxury options such as a sunroof and a seven speaker audio system.

1984–87

Further information: Honda Civic (third generation)

1989–91

Further information: Honda Civic (fourth generation)

1992–95

Further information: Honda Civic (fifth generation)

1999–2000

Fourth generation Si (EM1)
Overview
Production	1999–2000
Assembly	East Liberty, Ohio Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Powertrain
Engine	1.6L 160 hp (119 kW) I4
Transmission	5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.2 in (262.1 cm)
Length	175.1 in (444.8 cm)
Width	67.1 in (170 cm)
Height	54.1 in (137 cm)
Curb weight	2,606 lb (1,182 kg)

After a brief hiatus in the Civic's 6th generation, the Civic Si reappeared in 1999. 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 USDM-specific badge, a branding trend that would continue in subsequent Civic generations. Going from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, the 1999 Civic Si trim featured a 1.6-litre B16A2 engine that made 160 hp (120 kW) at 8,000 RPM and 111 ft-lbs of torque at 7,000 RPM. Sharing a similar power plant to the 1.6-litre 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 piping diameter. Due to its good fuel economy (27/31 city/hwy MPG), independent suspension at all four corners, and a more popular coupe form, the trim garnered a dedicated following in spite of its short production cycle.

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. Aesthetic exterior changes from LX/EX models were minimal, with the Si trim featuring a lower-profile and wider 15-inch wheel/tire package, a subtle chin-spoiler, side sills, and Si badging. For the interior, the sixth generation Si had tilt adjustment for the bottom cushion, a standard CD player, sunroof, power windows and door locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, and red-faced instrumentation with Si branding.

Like other Civics, this was the last generation of the Si to feature a front double-wishbone suspension. Subsequent Civics including the Si trims have since adopted the less-expensive and more compact MacPherson struts.

2002–05

Fifth generation Si (EP3)
Overview
Production	2002–05
Assembly	Swindon, England
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback (EP)
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	2.0L 160 hp (119 kW) I4
Transmission	5-speed close-ratio manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	101.2 in (256 cm)
Length	165.7 in (420.6 cm)
Width	66.7 in (167 cm)
Height	56.7 in (142 cm)
Curb weight	2,740 lb (1,240 kg)

In 2002, the Civic Si received a complete redesign and returned to form as a hatchback. 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 traveling on highways or winding country roads. The interior layout also distinguished itself from other Civic Si generations with a dash-mounted shifter. Unlike other iterations of the Civic Si, the fifth generation 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 EP hatchback is also used for the second generation Civic Type R which was sold in Europe and Japan.

Shifting away from the 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 6500 rpm and 132 lbf⋅ft (179 N⋅m) at 5000 rpm. 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. 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.

With the increased chassis rigidity compensating for weight gain, the 5th-generation Civic Si saw roughly the same performance numbers as the previous generation Si, with 7.6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.5 seconds at the quarter mile. Other factors adversely impacting performance included the lack of an LSD (limited slip differential) and having to shift into third gear to get to 60. First gear ends at about 30, second ends at 55, and third ends at 82 mph (132 km/h).

The 2004–05 models received minor revisions. Cosmetic changes included revised headlight (dual bulb setup) and taillight designs, standard side skirts, and an option for a HFP. The suspension was updated with a change from 4 lug to 5 lug bolt pattern, a larger rear sway bar, and a change from 15-inch wheels (195/60-15) to 16-inch wheels (205/55-16). The interior received more silver accents in place of the chrome ones (the lock switch).

The Honda chassis code for the Si and Type-S models is EP3. In Canada it was referred to as the Honda Civic SiR, and was discontinued in 2005.

2003 Honda Civic Si Concept (2002)

For the 2002 SEMA show, Honda unveiled the 2003 Civic Si Concept, which showcased the aftermarket versatility of the Si.

Powertrain/chassis modifications included a GReddy T518Z turbocharger with an integral wastgate, a prototype GReddy front-mounted intercooler kit with aluminum piping, a GReddy Airinx high-flow intake system, a GReddy e-manage engine control manager, a GReddy Profec E-01 electronic boost controller (with e-manage programmer), widened track, Factory Performance sport suspension, a center mounted high-flow exhaust system, and a four-piston Brembo brake system.

The exterior saw changes including a Rally-inspired body kit, 18-inch polished titanium-finish wheels, a carbon fiber grill, front intake and rear bumper diffuser, a black chrome-finish headlights and smoked taillights, high-mounted two-stage rear wing. For the interior, Honda included Mugen carbon fiber and Kevlar race seats covered in red Alcantara suede with 6-point racing harness, a sport 3-spoke steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, Mugen high performance LCD screen gauge package, center mounted information display.

2006–2011

{{Infobox Automobile generation The 2008 SI is horrid. | name = Sixth generation Si
(FA5/FG2) | image = | wheelbase = 104.3 in (264 cm) (coupe)
106.3 in (270 cm) (sedan) | length = 174.8 in (441 cm) (2006–08 coupe)
175.5 in (4,458 mm) (2009–11 coupe)
176.7 in (447 cm) (sedan)
177.3 in (4,503 mm) (2009–11 sedan) | width = 68.9 in (172 cm) (coupe)
69.0 in (175 cm) (sedan) | height = 53.5 in (134 cm) (2006-08 coupe)
56.5 in (142 cm) (sedan) | 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) | fuel_capacity = 50 L (11.0 imp gal; 13.2 US gal) | production = 2006–2011 | assembly = Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Sumaré, São Paulo, Brazil (from January 2008–present) | body_style = 2-door coupe (FG2)
4-door sedan (FA5) | engine = 2.0L 197 hp (147 kW; 200 PS) I4
2.0L192 hp (143 kW; 195 PS) in Brazil | transmission = 6-speed manual }} 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, 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, but with some tests posting times as quick as 6.3 seconds. Standard features include a moonroof, a seven-speaker 350-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.

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. The 2010 and 2011 Canadian models had VSA), darker silver wheels, body-color grille, a deck lid spoiler, reversed red/black coloring on the secondary gauge cluster, and Si-embroidered front floor mats. The introductory price of the Si Coupe increased by $800 to the MSRP of $21,090.

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)
• Rallye 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. 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 accouterments, 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).

Civic Mugen Si Sedan

2008 Honda Civic Si MUGEN sedan

The 2008 model year also brought into production the limited-edition 2008 Civic Mugen Si Sedan, which was announced at the 2007 SEMA auto show. The Mugen sedan came only in Fiji Blue Pearl, and featured a higher-flowing cat-back exhaust, track-tested sport suspension, an exclusive Mugen grill, 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. Even with additional features, the road tests at Shannonville showed the performance of the Mugen Si to be roughly equivalent to the standard Civic Si coupe.

2009 refresh

Changes for the 2009 Si included a revised front bumper and grill, a new split five-spoke 17-inch wheel design, fog lamps and a USB MP3 player input as standard equipment, clear-lensed and amber bulbs for the front and rear turn signals, 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 (US)
• 
  2009 Honda Civic Si coupe (US)

2012

Seventh generation Si
Overview
Production	2011-present
Model years	2012-
Assembly	Alliston, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door coupe
Powertrain
Engine	2.4L 201 hp (150 kW; 204 PS) 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)

2012 Honda Civic Si coupe (US)

The 9th generation Civic Si comes in a Coupe and a Sedan. The most notable difference from the previous generation is the engine upgrade. The Civic Si now features a K24 2.4L 201 hp engine (similar to the one found in the Honda CR-V) capable of producing 170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m) of torque. The peak torque can be achieved at a much lower rpm as well, 4400 rpm vs the previous 6000 rpm. Retained is the 6 speed manual transmission with a slightly different final drive ratio. An automatic transmission is not available. The wing spoiler found on the previous generation is replaced by a slightly more subtle deck-lid spoiler. The interior of the car gets a slight refresh as well, in the form of a rev limit indicator and a power meter, displayed in the all-new i-MID (intelligent Multi-Information Display). While the sway bars are noticeably slimmer than the previous generation's (18.0/15.0, down from 28.0/17.0 (F/R in mm)), the chassis is more rigid, the result of an increased amount of high-strength steel. This also results in lighter weight compared to the previous model. It is also notable that the vehicle remains the same size as the outgoing model. Still included is the Helical LSD (Limited Slip Differential) found on the previous model.

Vehicle Colors:

• Alabaster Silver Metallic
• Crystal Black Pearl
• Dyno Blue Pearl
• Polished Metal Metallic
• Rallye Red
• Sunburst Orange Pearl
• Taffeta White

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.

External links

• 2008 Honda Civic Si Coupe official U.S. site