2015 Honda Civic Si Sedan Review - FWD FR-S [Video]

2015 Honda Civic Si Sedan Review - FWD FR-S [Video] -

2015 Honda Civic Si Sedan

2.4-liter DOHC I-4 VVT (205 hp @ 7000 rpm, 174 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) manual 6-speed 20 city / 25 highway / 20 combined (EPA Rating, MPG) 20.1 (observed MPG) base price: $ 23,910 * As Tested :. $ 25,410 * * Prices include $ 820 destination charge

BMW M, Audi is a whole alphabet and Honda Si. in truth, just the Civic Si. "injection Sport" trim Honda started in the 1980s, but never extended beyond its compact offers in the base the performance of the US Honda also never expanded beyond the sharp responses, a small dollop of power and some additions finishing quick glances. The first Honda model If come to our shores in 1985, but the first was not a Civic - it was a prelude. The Civic Si we joined a year later in 1986. But I digress.

Cars like the Civic Si are popular with journalists like me. The reason is simple, just like the Civic itself. Unlike some performance packet processing If still favors sharp responses and better feeling on the scrambling simply an engine-driven turbo under the hood. While the later is obviously a hoot and a half, the first is ultimately more enjoyable to my particular tastes.

Exterior
Although this generation has been designed to be the Civic for adults, so is still a "boy racer" in the heart. Our tester wore red a few large and bright badges If tweaks stickers and an enlarged exhaust tip. The spoiler from the factory on the trunk allows more plebeian consumers know that the gods were smiling VTEC your sled. And if that was pretty obvious Honda slap a little i-VTEC DOHC stickers on the rear doors (you may want to replace with larger graphics, because VTEC yo!).

Although the recently announced 2016 model seems more mature and better put together, there is something friendly and familiar awkward smile on his door 2015 model front bumper. Also worth mentioning is that you can not find in the press release 2016: there is no mention of a model If No, this is not the end of If, but you can expect that. there is a lag between the launch of the standard models and reimagining of the injection model of Sport and the possible availability of the United States of a crazy model R 310 horses. [ At the launch 2016 Civic, we were told sedan, coupe, hatchback, Type-R and Si unfold over a period of 18 months. -Mark ]

Interior
Much hay was made about the interior of the Civic when it launched in 2012. experts have cried foul over large areas of hard plastic. I on the other hand was not bothered by the plastic. Of course, it was not great to stroke, but it was easy to clean and attractive texture. I is have a problem with was the lack of color matching bits and poorly fitting panels. The 2012 model we tested was a mess. The four main elements of the dashboard sported four different variations of the same target color. Fortunately, Honda bent screws on parts suppliers and by 2013 things have been greatly improved. In addition to the color change, Honda had an eye on the points of contact, exchanging hard doors and dashboard "faces" to sponge molded injection units with fake stitching.

Honda continues to lumbar support rather exaggerated the seat back, something you do not find a lot of competition. Additional support was perfect for my back, but as he is not adjustable, you should get a lot of seat time before buying to be sure you can live with the form. For my average frame six feet, sitting and driving proved ideal.

As with most cars with families in mind, the rear seats of the Civic are close to the floor and door openings are wide and manufacture of high input / output with or easy without a child seat in tow. Honda has a reputation depending on the form, and that pays dividends in the back with a high roofline that allows a more upright seating position that is more similar to the average hatch than the average sedan. 12.5 cubic feet of trunk is in line with the development and Jetta, but hatches are more practical.

Infotainment
If All models get a 7-inch LCD touch screen comes with a standard 360-watt audio system with 7 speakers. The "HondaLink Next Generation" is actually a step back we see in 2016 or Pilot course of Civic. HondaLink 2016 This generation lacks Apple Auto carplay Android but offers iPhone first generation of navigation Honda if you do not get the factory option. Unlike carplay, navigation is based around a downloadable application, no maps of Apple, requires an HDMI cable connection, and you can not use any other app while browsing. All models receive Honda's LaneWatch camera that saves you from looking over your right shoulder, a feature with dubious value in a car with such a good visibility than the Civic. Honda brings the navigation software to the factory with SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, and the Honda voice control system.

Training
While turbos are the mode in the competition, Honda aspire with a naturally aspirated four-banger for Si. While turbo mill of the new Civic probably signals the end of the road for the classic power delivery Honda, we're here to talk about if you can buy now. Compared to the Focus ST or GLI, the Civic will performance differently. The 2.4-liter engine screams like a banshee on its way to its maximum power of 7000 rpm to 205 ponies and 7,0 rpm redline. The torque is low at 174 lb-ft compared to turbo alternatives and it does not come to the boil to 4,400 rpm. Also, Si is only available with a manual 6-speed transmission.

Although only policy manual is a clear barrier to sales success, the manual and the lack of a turbo set the Civic. The ST or GLI, let off steam on the go-pedal (in any gear), wait for the turbos to start whistling like a den of vipers and off you go. The Civic is different. The naturally aspirated engine has to rev into the stratosphere to accomplish the same task and eventually you will move twice as often in spirited driving to keep the engine in its power band. Fortunately, the 2.4-liter mill is ready, willing and maybe even eager to spend your entire winding mountain drive above 4500 rpm.

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If the engine of the Civic also separates its Acura cousin. For 2016, the ILX received a new direct-injection version of 2.4 liter Honda engine that provides similar figures at low revs. In addition, the Acura receives smooth dual clutch transmission to 8 Honda speeds. The difference is noticeable instantly on the road where the ILX is a surprising half a second faster than my best run in the Si. Although I do not doubt a professional pilot could shave a sliver of my time, the ILX will always be fast.

Of course, any actual competition is faster too. Our tester required 6.6 seconds to go from zero to 60, which is faster than the average compact but slower than most sports entries. The Focus ST torque directs his way to 60 in a relatively blistering 5.9 seconds number while the GLI less powerful book at highway speed in 6.5 seconds, despite both being nearly 0 pounds more than the Honda . The widening of the pool compared with the Mazda3, Hyundai Veloster Turbo and Turbo Forte Koup find options that are slower to 60, but they are not dedicated performance models such as Si.

not afraid VTEC fans: If judged by the acceleration numbers would be missing the point. It also misses the point of a way would be judged by If skidpad numbers. Like Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ in the If is on touch and accuracy, not absolute adherence or acceleration of the front deformation. The 6-speed manual transmission is buttery smooth with just the right amount of jiggling. The clutch engagement is linear and predictable, the car and its transmission seems in perfect harmony. Manual sensation transmission is something that is hard to get right, even in modern times where the manual is meant to be the "choice enthusiast." A good example is the Jaguar F-Type, we recently tested. I feel comfortable with this manual, the clutch engagement was awkward, the shifter throws were short, but the "feel" was simply not there. 6-speed Civic secondly gets top marks.

While the FR-S and BRZ twins are the ideal car to learn about the driving dynamics of the rear wheels at reasonable speeds, If I think the version forehead -wheel drive of the same. the precise steering and well-tuned suspension communicate what the front tires are doing, even if the power steering stole most of the reviews. the lightweight 3,002 pounds vacuum means Honda has not had to put springs on the rock-hard if in order to get the kind of performance he was looking to find handling. This means if the round is far from punishing and just right for the duty to drive every day in my book. While you can get the optional summer tires on If I think that misses the point. As the FR-S and BRZ, which are not exactly need sticky rubber. The fun thing about if my mind is that you can break the front tires loose and explore the dynamics of points FWD finer at lower speeds. Something like a Mercedes CLA 250 handles better than the Si, but the Mercedes is much less communicative, and I dare say less engaging.

The main thing that the Civic has going for it is the price tag. From $ 23.00 (plus destination) and ending at $ 24,50, the Honda has the shortest walk prices in recent memory. There are two mutually exclusive options factory: summer tires and navigation. Take my advice, however, get the navigation and add summer tires later if you wish.

This places the Civic few thousand less than the GLI, but only a few hundred behind the most powerful Focus ST when adjusting for standard content. While I know a few people who reject the ST simply because they hate the hatches, the ST is just a better vehicle performance. It is also a particular type of hooligan. The transmission and clutch feel is not as perfect as if the seats are not as comfortable (I find the Recaro seats outright torture) and in the long term, if will probably be cheaper to own and operate. However, Ford is more fun and because Ford believes in a list of extended options, you can get more goodies in your ST as well.

Of course, the biggest problem for this generation if my mind is not Ford or GLI sedan - it is actually closely related ILX. The reason is not just that I prefer luxury gadgets and gizmos that ILX offers, but the ILX shows how modern technology wins "yo VTEC" and a manual transmission. Although it makes me die a little inside, I can not argue with the numbers. The ILX adds leather, power seats, a pre-collision warning system (which is handy when you drive like a asshat) inside a significantly improved lumbar support and adjustable - but only added 0 pounds to the weight vacuum . The in modern direct injection engine and dual-clutch transmission with 8 belts speeds lightning fast shifts and allows the Acura is both faster at 60 and 10 percent more fuel efficient . The modern system of two-way shock absorber allows the Acura, even A-Sped trim, to obtain substantially identical handling numbers, but a smoother ride. While the ILX will cost you more than the Civic, it is not significantly more than a comparable or GLI ST. If you are looking for the most civilized option, is the ILX. Otherwise get the ST.

In the end, if suffers from the same "problem" that the FR-S and BRZ. The driving experience is the accuracy itself (for a driver before), but the reality is that most of us seem to prefer the method of "brute force" of MOARR POWARR. Although I hang my head when I say this, that even includes me.

Honda provided the vehicle, insurance and a tank of gas for this review.

Specifications as tested

0-30: 2.4

0-60: 6 65

1/4 Mile: 15.1 @ 93 MPH