Honda Civic Si
Honda Civic Si | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Honda |
Production | 1986-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 compact car Honda Civic built by the Japanese automaker Honda. The Si designation, which stands for "Sport Injected", was formerly used in both Japan and North America signifying the most powerful Civic available in market. For the Japanese and European markets, however, the Civic Type R has been adopted as the high-performance variant of the Civic, from 1997 (EK9 hatch) in Japan and 2001 (EP3 hatch) in the UK. In Canada the Si trim is known as the SiR, and what is called the Si in Canada is equivalent to the USDM EX trim.
1984-87
First generation (AD) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | 1984-1987 |
Assembly | Suzuka, Japan Alliston, Ontario, Canada |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 3-door hatchback |
Related | Triumph Acclaim Rover 200 Acura Integra Honda CRX Honda Ballade Honda Integra |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.5L 91 hp I4 |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 94 in (239 cm) |
Length | 150 in (381 cm) |
Width | 64 in (162 cm) |
Height | 53 in (135 cm) |
Honda first adopted the Si badge for the JDM Civic in November of 1984. Mainly offered in hatchback form (four-door SIs existed but were rare), the main aesthetic difference was the slight bulge in the hood, which accommodated for the 1.6-liter DOHC engine. Designated as ZC in Japan and D16A9 in Europe, the new engine put out 130 horsepower. Since compact cars at the time typically made less than 100 horsepower, the Si proved popular amongst tuning enthusiasts.
The United States saw the release of the Civic CRX Si and Civic Si in 1985 and 1986, respectively. The trim of the Civic Si was geared toward those who wanted the performance of the CRX Si, but with four-seats. Standard equipment for the Civic Si hatchback included a removable glass moonroof, tilt steering wheel, a full-width taillight panel and color-keyed front airdam and roof spoiler.
Unlike the JDM Si, which had a 130-horsepower ZC engine, the 1986 USDM Si featured a 1.5-liter, 91-horsepower 12 Valve SOHC engine designated EW4. [1] The Civic Si also saw a release in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, and sharing similar specs to the USDM Si.
Note that in the 1985 model year the car was not fuel injected and and called the CivicS (Using the EW2 engine). 1986 saw the first Civic Si with the introduction of a fuel injected engine instead of a carburettor engine.
1987-91
Second generation (EC/ED/EE/EF) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | 1988-1991 |
Assembly | Swindon, England Suzuka, Japan East Liberty, Ohio Alliston, Ontario, Canada |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 3-door hatchback |
Related | Acura Integra Honda CRX Honda Ballade Honda Concerto Honda Integra Rover 213/216 |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.6L 110 hp I4 1.6L 158 hp I4 |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 98.4 in (250 cm) |
Length | 156.1 in (396 cm) |
Width | 65.6 in (167 cm) |
Height | 52.4 in (133 cm) |
The 4th generation Civic Si shared a chassis with the 2nd generation Honda CRX. The USDM Si sported a 110-horsepower D16A6 engine and weighed in at 2286lbs, achieving a factory 0-60 of 8.7 seconds. [2] In Europe and Australia, a more powerful D16A8 engine was used instead, which made 122 horsepower.
In the latter years of the 4th-generation of Civics, the JDM version adopted a 1.6L B16A engine that produced 158 horsepower. This car was the first to adopt the name "SiR" instead of Si.
1992-95
Third generation (EG/EH/EJ) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | 1992-1995 |
Assembly | Swindon, England Suzuka, Japan East Liberty, Ohio Alliston, Ontario, Canada |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 3-door hatchback (EH2/3) |
Related | Acura Integra Honda CRX Honda Ballade Honda CRX Del Sol Honda Concerto Honda Domani Honda Integra |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 1.6L 125 hp I4 |
Transmission | 5-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 101.3 in (257 cm) |
Length | 160.2 in (407 cm) |
Width | Hatchback: 67 in (173 cm) |
Height | 50.7 in (129 cm) |
The USDM Civic Si of 1992-1995 used a 125hp / 106tq single-overhead cam D16Z6 VTEC engine, which enabled the car to hit 0-60 in 8.5 seconds.[3] VTEC activated on the intake side and not the exhaust side, which was the result of the spark plug blocking the area where the cam follower would be. Standard equipment included 14-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, dash clock, power sliding moonroof, cruise control, power mirrors, power steering, and driver's side airbag. In 1994, a passenger side airbag and rear speakers were added.
Again, different regions adopted different powerplants--the European and Peruvian Si's used a 130hp D16A9 engine. At this time, however, the Si was not the most powerful variant of the Civic in Europe; Honda introduced to the region the Civic VTi, which featured a 158-horsepower B16A engine. The JDM version SiR carried an even more powerful B16A engine, which made 168 horsepower. Civics in Japan using the SiR name included the EG6 (hatch) and EG9 (sedan) Civics as well as the CR-X Del Sol.
1999-2000
Sixth generation (EJ/EM/EK) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | 1999-2000 |
Assembly | East Liberty, Ohio Alliston, Ontario, Canada |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 2-door coupe |
Related | Rover 400 Rover 200 Acura Integra Isuzu Gemini Honda Ballade Honda CRX Del Sol Acura EL Honda CR-V Honda Domani Honda Integra |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 5-speed manual |
Transmission | 1.6L 160 hp I4 |
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) |
With the VTi badge being adopted in Europe and the Type R badge being adopted in Japan for the sports variant of Civics, the Si became primarily a USDM badge for the 6th generation of Civics. Civic Si for the 1999 model offered 160 horsepower and 111 foot-pounds of torque in a car that weighed roughly 2600 lb. Combining the tuner-friendly B16A2 engine and the more popular coupe form, the trim garnered a dedicated following in spite of its short production cycle.
Generation: 6G-EM1
Displacement (CC): 1595
Compression: 10.2:1
Horsepower: 160 HP @ 7600RPM
Torque: 111 lb/FT@ 7000RPM
Redline: 8000 RPM
The car was made only in 4 colors:
- Electron Blue Pearl
- Flamenco Black Pearl
- Milano Red
- Vogue Silver Metallic (Canada only)
Only EX sedan Civics came equipped with an anti-lock braking system; the 99-00 Civic Si did not have this feature.
This was the last generation of the Civic Si to feature double-wishbone suspension to the front. Subsequent Si trims have since adopted the more inexpensive MacPherson struts.
2002-05
Seventh generation (EU/ES/EP/EM) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | 2002-2005 |
Assembly | Swindon, England |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 3-door hatchback (EP) |
Related | Honda Element Rover 200 Rover 25 Acura Integra Acura RSX Honda Ballade Honda Integra Acura EL Honda CR-V |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.0L 160 hp I4 |
Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 101.2 in (256 cm) |
Length | 168.4 in (426 cm) |
Width | 66.7 in (167 cm) |
Height | 56.7 in (142 cm) |
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. It is often referred to as a 'Cult Car' as the rapid design change attracted mainly 'enthusiasts'
The design was based a new platform manufactured at the Swindon plant in England, UK, and was exported around the world in many different trims.
This new Civic Si adopted the K-series engine, and the K20A3 i-VTEC powerplant put down 160 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Performance was relatively underwhelming compared to the competition and its predecessor; the switch to MacPherson struts from double-wishbone suspension gave the car a less sporting character, and a near-150lbs increase in weight to 2,744lbs contributed to a 0-60 time of approximately 7.5 seconds. Other factors hurting its performance figures included not having 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. The car has a 6,800 rpm redline with a 7,100 rpm cutoff.
The Honda chassis code for the Si and Type-R models is "EP3", also referred to as the "EP Hatch". In Canada it is referred to as the Honda Civic SiR.
Vehicle Color Selections:
- Vivid Blue Pearl
- Nighthawk Black Pearl
- Tafetta White
- Satin Silver Metallic
- Euro Yellow Pearl Metallic
- Milano Red (SiR)
Engineering Specifications:
- Engine Type: In-Line 4-Cylinder
- Engine Block/Cylinder Head: Aluminum-Alloy
- Displacement (cc): 1998
- Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net): 160 @ 6500
- Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): 132 @ 5000
- Redline (rpm): 6800
- Bore and Stroke (mm):86 x 86
- Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
- Valve Train: 16-Valve DOHC i-VTEC®
- Multi-Point Fuel Injectionb>
- Front-Wheel Drive
- CARB Emissions Rating: LEV-2
- Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer
- Transmission: Close-Ratio 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Body, Suspension, and Chassis:
- Stabilizer Bar (mm., front/rear): 25.4 / 17.0
- Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock: 2.68
- Steering Ratio: 15.36
- Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft.): 37.4
- Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in., front/rear):10.3 / 10.2
- Wheels: 16" Alloy
- All-Season Tires: P205 / 55 R16 89V
- Unit-Body Construction
- Control-Link MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
- Reactive-Link Double Wishbone Rear Suspension
- Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
Interior Measurements:
- Headroom (in., front/rear): 37.8 / 36.7
- Legroom (in., front/rear): 42.2 / 33.0
- Shoulder Room (in., front/rear): 53.1 / 50.9
- Hip Room (in., front/rear): 51.2 / 48.4
- Cargo Volume (cu. ft., seats up/down): 15.7 / 35.7
- Passenger Volume (cu. ft.): 84.7
- Seating Capacity: 5
Exterior Measurements:
- Wheelbase (in.): 101.2
- Length (in.): 165.7
- Height (in.): 56.7
- Width (in.): 66.7
- Track (in., front/rear): 57.8 / 57.8
- Curb Weight (lbs.): 2782
- Weight Distribution (%, front/rear): 61 / 39
EPA Mileage Estimates/Capacities*:
- City/Highway: 26/31
- Crankcase (qt.): 5.6
- Coolant System (qt.): 7.1
- Fuel (gal.): 13.2
- Required Fuel: Regular Unleaded
NOTE*: Based on 2005 EPA mileage estimates.
Safety:
- 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
- Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
- Dual-Stage Front Airbags (SRS)
- Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS): Available
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD)
- Side-Impact Door Beams
- Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
- Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System
2006-present
Eighth generation (FA/FG) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Production | 2006-present |
Assembly | East Liberty, Ohio Alliston, Ontario, Canada |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | 2-door coupe (FG1/FG2) 4-door sedan (FA1/FA5) |
Related | Honda Element Acura RSX Honda Integra Acura CSX Honda CR-V |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 2.0L 197 hp I4 |
Transmission | 6-speed manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 104.3 in (264 cm) (coupe) 106.3 in (270 cm) (sedan) |
Length | 174.8 in (441 cm) (coupe) 176.7 in (447 cm) (sedan) |
Width | 68.9 in (172 cm) (coupe) 69.0 in (175 cm) (sedan) |
Height | 53.5 in (134 cm) (coupe) 56.5 in (142 cm) (sedan) |
Recently, the Si has been redesigned for 2006 along with all other Civic trims, bringing about significant changes since the previous generation. The new car comes with a 2.0 liter i-VTEC engine that produces 197 horsepower and 139 foot-pounds of torque, while also including a 6-speed transmission (an automatic option is unavailable) with helical Torsen limited slip differential. Spring and dampening rates 40% stiffer than non-Si trim, coupled with stiffer sway bars have bolstered its handling, achieving 0.90g of lateral acceleration on the skidpad. It is also the quickest Civic Si off the line, with a factory 0-60 mph of 6.3 seconds. [4]
Honda introduced the eighth generation Civic Si sedan for the 2007 model year. Debuted at the Chicago Auto Show, the concept sported larger wheels (18" alloys) than its coupe counterpart, along with 4-piston Brembo brakes and large cross drilled brake rotors. The production version, however, lacked such concept accouterments, and the Si sedan is mechanically almost identical to the coupe, save for a 60lbs increase in curb weight and the extra length due to larger wheelbase. Despite this 60lb increase the car performs significantly better due to the better weight distribution which is 59:41 compared to the coupe which is 61:39. Canada in lieu of the Civic Si Sedan has the Acura CSX Type-S, which carries additional luxury options including leather seating. [5]
The 2007 model changes for the Civic Si include the addition of vehicle stability assist or VSA (not included on Canadian models), darker silver wheels, and a reversal of the red/black color scheme for the secondary gauges. Floor mats also have the Si logo embroidered on them. Honda has also increased the price of the Si coupe by $800 for the 2007 model year.
With the release of the Civic Si sedan also comes the release of the Civic MUGEN Si sedan. Announced at the 2007 SEMA autoshow, the new MUGEN sedan will have features such as a higher-flowing cat-back, track-tested sport-tuned suspension, and a MUGEN body kit custom designed for the USDM trim. Production will be limited to only 500 units per year and the price has been stated to be around $30,000, which might be higher due to its limited production. [6]
In 2007, Honda released a series of commercials for the Civic Si based on the movie TRON, with the Sis replacing lightcycles.
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 2-door, 1994 Honda Civic Si 2-door Hatchback, 1996 Honda Civic Si 2-door Hatchback are listed as ranks #1, #2, #5, #8 respectively[7]. None of the top ten vehicles included electronic immobilizers[8].
Trivia
- Hasbro has announced that they will be introducing a figure into their Transformers Alternators line which will use the form of a Rallye Red 2006 Honda Civic Si with Hawaii plates. The figure will be a Decepticon by the name of Rumble.