Picture Gallery: 2008 Honda Civic Si Sedan | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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Sporting a very modern and high tech look, the new Civic has been a love-it or hate-it design for many over the past couple of years. It seems to be growing on many and certainly sales are not floundering as some had assumed would happen when Honda decided to use a two-tiered digital dash rather than the traditional analog style.
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The Civic Si sedan in the Canadian market is a little bit of a question mark, with the Acura brand getting the CSX (only available in Canada) as the more luxurious and sporting Civic, so it seems like bringing an Si sedan to Canada could only cause Honda to compete with themselves.
So what does the Si bring to the table? Quite a lot actually — minus the leather, navigation system and a few other goodies available on the CSX Type-S as well as the $5,000 price premium.
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The Honda Civic Si is powered by a high revving 2.0litre four cylinder engine which produces 197hp at 7800 rpm and a redline of 8000rpm. This model is only available with one transmission and that is a short throw close ratio 6-speed manual transmission — truly a performance oriented machine.
The Si comes standard with a good list of features as well, including: a seven-speaker premium audio system including sub-woofer, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, air-conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, sunroof and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
2008 Honda Civic Si Sedan
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $27,975
For more information on Honda and the Civic visit Honda Canada
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But looks are subjective, so let’s move on. Even though the interior is pretty much a love it or hate it design I’m in both camps. I actually love the two-tiered dash. The digital speedometer is way up by the windshield which allows you to keep your eyes on the road while also being able to watch your speed and fuel gauge.
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The audio and HVAC controls are easy to reach, and the steering wheel controls are placed perfectly. Cubby holes are plentiful in the interior leaving room for two coffees, your cellphone and many more knick-knacks.
I do have a few qualms with the interior, too, though. I really dislike the plastic sun-visors, for two reasons: one for being hard plastic and two, for extending so long I have to lean far back in order not to get hit in the head by them as I swing them out to the side window.
I also find the interior a little cramped, mainly for headroom. I believe this may be because of the sunroof; it certainly encroaches on the already low roof line. Getting in and out in tighter parking spaces had me hitting my head on entry a few times.
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In fact, tooling around town the Civic Si need never be revved about 2,500rpm, or 3,000rpm if you want to be really aggressive. It easily keeps up with traffic and passes without much hesitation. I have been able to keep the Si in fifth gear at 50km/h with no problems and after 65km/h sixth gear can be used for cruising without feeling the need to shift for more acceleration.
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Although the shifter is a joy to use, I find getting into third gear to be a bit on the dodgy side; it seems more notched than the other gears. What do I say about the handling? Well, the Civic Si exhibits a very well-sorted chassis that feels like the rear end is about to step out on corner exit which feels quite nice, actually. That is, until I step on the accelerater to prod it a little and everything sorts itself out, reminding me that this is a front wheel drive vehicle.
The suspension is firm, which I don’t mind, but it tends to make for a bumpy ride in the Si rather just a firm one. The cabin is ultra quiet at speeds below 100km/h but at 120km/h wind noise does start to become noticeable; this is in no way out of the ordinary for this class of vehicle, though. Also to note is the 3,000 cruising revolutions (rpms) at 120km/h on the highway in sixth gear.
And, of course, what review of the Civic Si would be complete without a mention of the hanging revs. I am referring to the fact that when up shifting to the next gear and releasing the gas pedal the Civic holds its rpms at the point where the pedal was released. I find this only causes jarring shifts when quickly accelerating at lower rpms. I noticed at higher rpms everything seems to click and when driving slowly in the city it isn’t an issue either. The jarring can be eliminated by some slick clutch work as well but I’m not sure why I would want to have to slip the clutch just to avoid a slight rocking motion.
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I never really got use to the sun-visors. Sounds like a small thing, but driving towards the sun everyday after work I constantly had a hard time lowering them, because you can only grab them in one place, and swinging them sideways requires ducking or tilting my head.
Gas mileage was fairly good during the week, but having recently moved, my commute is much more highway-type driving than city driving, making it tough to gauge if the Civic really did that well. I averaged 8.6L/100km which is a fairly good number if my mix of city and highway hadn’t changed, but at 80% or so highway driving, perhaps it is a little high for a Civic. One does have to remember though this is not your typical Civic; 197hp doesn’t come for free and premium fuel is also recommended.
Overall I found the Civic Si easy to drive: comfortable and quick, and certainly a fun drive on the twisty roads that are part of my new commute and acceleration is fairly brisk. Seating 4 comfortably was no problem during my monthly lunch with the boys and everyone seemed impressed by the Civic’s power comfort and spaciousness.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2008 Honda Civic Si Sedan
MSRP as tested inc. destination & delivery: $27,975<
to our site.
November 10, 2007, 10:09:41 pm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eToFmoi6xOY
btw:
@ 50kph:
1st gear = 6850RPM
2nd gear = 4400RPM
3rd gear = 3300RPM
4th gear = 2400RPM
5th gear = 1900RPM
6th gear = 1400RPM (2000RPM at 72kph)
November 10, 2007, 10:26:20 pm
Because these cars don't have multiple gears one can switch into to pass or go uphill... Hell, most Hybrids have CVTs, so you don't even need to change gears. You just need to press the go button and the car does all the work.
November 10, 2007, 10:52:52 pm
btw:
@ 50kph:
1st gear = 6850RPM
2nd gear = 4400RPM
3rd gear = 3300RPM
4th gear = 2400RPM
5th gear = 1900RPM
6th gear = 1400RPM (2000RPM at 72kph)
Geez that's awfully low in 6th. I'm at 3k in 2nd gear when at 50kph. I like it there. Because right beside that is where the meat of the power is.
November 10, 2007, 10:57:58 pm I find that's a little low I haven't been putting it into 6th until about 70kph
November 11, 2007, 01:10:37 am maybe it's just because I live in a slow city..
I do, however, get 500kms/tank. (about 8 L/100km)
November 11, 2007, 08:27:31 am Adding a half second reaction time to a panic situation for the sake of a few drops of fuel is unsafe.
November 12, 2007, 12:06:19 am
#s can be misleading. Have you driven one?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0XuDIXx_5A
November 12, 2007, 12:10:34 am
Precisely.
As a future Si/Type S owner, and a current Mazda3 owner, I'd like to ask you how the Si compares to your Mazda3 Sport in everyday driving.
November 12, 2007, 12:34:44 am
Is the engine operating at top efficiency when it's being lugged around at 50kph while in 6th gear?
Who ever said the engine is being lugged?
If you were to floor it at this engine speed - of course yes. But just having a 1 mm push on the gas pedal (DBW civics have a wide on/off gap on the throttle) surely does not.
I'd much rather hold a speed at 2000RPM, barely touching the throttle and keeping the engine calm, than holding 3000RPM and holding my right foot further probed in.
I'm with Sivic. One thing I really like about Si is it's dual personality: keep the revs low and enjoy awesome fuel economy; want to have some fun then rev it past 5,800 rpm and enjoy.
November 12, 2007, 07:30:01 am
Precisely.
As a future Si/Type S owner, and a current Mazda3 owner, I'd like to ask you how the Si compares to your Mazda3 Sport in everyday driving.
How Wing know, has he driven is Mazda 3 more then 5000km since he got it
November 12, 2007, 08:57:56 am Hey I have over 8000km now -- and drove it 600+ last week.
In comparison the regular Mazda3 has a nicer interior than the Civic IMO, although the civic has more cubby holes and such if you require that. The Mazda is also more comfortable and quiet than the civic on the road as the civic (even in 6th gear) revs rather high and sounds buzzy.
But the Civic is faster so that does offset it. In term for daily driving they are fairly equal for power output and driveability / fun factor.
November 20, 2007, 06:32:51 pm IMO the new Sentra Spec-V is worth looking at as well
apparently slightly faster 1/4 and 0-60 and slightly better on gas
likely due to more torque from a 2.5
I think it looks badder assed too
November 20, 2007, 06:54:19 pm
apparently slightly faster 1/4 and 0-60 and slightly better on gas
likely due to more torque from a 2.5
I think it looks badder assed too
Read this comparison review involving the Spec V before you buy.
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/12635/2007-volkswagen-gti-vs-2007-subaru-impreza-wrx-tr-vs-2007-mini-cooper-s-vs-2007-nissan-sentra-se-r-spec-v-vs-2007-mazdaspeed-3-grand-touring.html
November 20, 2007, 06:58:09 pm
apparently slightly faster 1/4 and 0-60 and slightly better on gas
likely due to more torque from a 2.5
I think it looks badder assed too
I don't know about Badder but the assed part for sure!
March 08, 2008, 03:08:22 am
In comparison the regular Mazda3 has a nicer interior than the Civic IMO, although the civic has more cubby holes and such if you require that. The Mazda is also more comfortable and quiet than the civic on the road as the civic (even in 6th gear) revs rather high and sounds buzzy.
But the Civic is faster so that does offset it. In term for daily driving they are fairly equal for power output and driveability / fun factor.
I'm surprised that you didn't mention anything about LSD. Limited-slip differential really helps with handling, and enhances the car's appeal.
March 08, 2008, 12:02:20 pm
In comparison the regular Mazda3 has a nicer interior than the Civic IMO, although the civic has more cubby holes and such if you require that. The Mazda is also more comfortable and quiet than the civic on the road as the civic (even in 6th gear) revs rather high and sounds buzzy.
But the Civic is faster so that does offset it. In term for daily driving they are fairly equal for power output and driveability / fun factor.
I'm surprised that you didn't mention anything about LSD. Limited-slip differential really helps with handling, and enhances the car's appeal.
Hey Arctic, what's your gas consumption?
I'm getting about 8L/100KM city.
March 08, 2008, 03:25:19 pm
Hey Arctic, what's your gas consumption?
I'm getting about 8L/100KM city.
8L per 100 is good! What's your secret?
I'm averaging about 9.8 L/100 kms, but that's pure city.
As you're well aware, in Vancouver, one can't just drive at 55 km/h and cruise in 5th gear. Traffic prohibits me from driving at a steady speed (engine or actual) thus my fuel consumption isn't as good as it could be.
For comparison, I averaged about 9.3 L/100 kms in my Mazda3 on the same conditions. (All-time average for my previous car was 7.9L/100 kms but that included quite a bit of highway driving.)
PS: VTEC is addicting, eh? I love driving the Si even if I have no reason to! Couldn't say that about Mazda3...
March 08, 2008, 04:38:00 pm
Hey Arctic, what's your gas consumption?
I'm getting about 8L/100KM city.
8L per 100 is good! What's your secret?
I'm averaging about 9.8 L/100 kms, but that's pure city.
As you're well aware, in Vancouver, one can't just drive at 55 km/h and cruise in 5th gear. Traffic prohibits me from driving at a steady speed (engine or actual) thus my fuel consumption isn't as good as it could be.
For comparison, I averaged about 9.3 L/100 kms in my Mazda3 on the same conditions. (All-time average for my previous car was 7.9L/100 kms but that included quite a bit of highway driving.)
PS: VTEC is addicting, eh? I love driving the Si even if I have no reason to! Couldn't say that about Mazda3...
haha, honestly, I have not touched vtec for weeks. It's way more power than I need in first gear, and it's illegal speeds in second.
Have you had 3rd gear not go in properly yet?
March 08, 2008, 05:22:38 pm Yeah, I've noticed that sometimes there are issues with the 3rd gear.
I'm thinking of doing a MTF change with Amsoil, as per your recommendation. Do you know the cost for it?
As it is, i dislike going to the dealership... I may go get it done at MIDAS or something. Do you have any recommendationas to where to get it done?
March 08, 2008, 06:35:29 pm
We could meet up, you could drive my Mazdaspeed3. That would change your mind...
March 08, 2008, 06:40:40 pm
I'm thinking of doing a MTF change with Amsoil, as per your recommendation. Do you know the cost for it?
As it is, i dislike going to the dealership... I may go get it done at MIDAS or something. Do you have any recommendationas to where to get it done?
I'm not even sure Midas will carry it.. but just call around (maybe try the specialty car shops). I think I just needed two bottles, and I think the bill was less than $40.
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtf.aspx
March 08, 2008, 06:52:58 pm
We could meet up, you could drive my Mazdaspeed3. That would change your mind...
Let's do it! You live in Squamish, eh? Going up there to meet you will in itself be a good drive. I'll PM you.
March 08, 2008, 06:54:14 pm
I'm thinking of doing a MTF change with Amsoil, as per your recommendation. Do you know the cost for it?
As it is, i dislike going to the dealership... I may go get it done at MIDAS or something. Do you have any recommendationas to where to get it done?
I'm not even sure Midas will carry it.. but just call around (maybe try the specialty car shops). I think I just needed two bottles, and I think the bill was less than $40.
https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtf.aspx
Thanks for the link! I'll ask around and worse comes to worst, will just go the dealer and get it done at the same time as when I do the oil change.
March 08, 2008, 07:22:08 pm
March 08, 2008, 07:25:39 pm
Oh... but what if one were to go early in the morning? Like 7:30 am?