Vehicle: 2006 Honda Civic Si
Price as tested: CDN$25880

Performance: The Si is powered by Honda’s well-renowed K-series engine. In Si’s case, its called K20. This engine is good for 197 hp and 139 lb/ft of torque. Just like many Honda performance engines of the past, you have to rev through the redline to truly enjoy the beauty of VTEC engineering. Both the sound and sensation of this K20 are simply astounsing above 6k. Once you reach the maximum torque at 6300 rpm with its 139 lb/ft of torque, its acceleration and responsiveness are more than just a little 4 banger. It feels like a more powerful V6 with the economy of a Honda 4 -cylinder. On the other hand, the low-end feels more lively than previous Si despite of its willing-to-rev character. Its more drivable and docile in daily driving thanks to its good powerband. As with all Honda powerplants, refinement is world-class. Matched with this excellent powerplant is Honda’s typical wonderful 6-speed stick shift. The shifts are crisp and gates well-defined. Clutch is progressive and easily modulated. All without drama as usual with Honda’s usual high standard of clutch/stick shift combinations. On the other hand, the limited slip diff also has a desired effects on eliminating torque steer when accelerating aggressively from idle. This is a godsent for a 197hp front driver, as well as those who are going to bring Si to autocross track events.

Handling: While the standard garden-variety Civic already provided impressive handling, this Si is anything better. The turn-in is sharp and precise. Steering provides plenty of feedback and enough weight to let you mix-up with any fine European sports sedan. When pushed through corners, the understeer and body rolls are minimal. While the sports suspension provides excellent stiffness when pushing through corners, it doesn’t sacifice much in terms of ride quality. The ride is supple enough when driving through washboard pavements and expansion joints. On the other hand, its firm enough for driver to feel every roughness. All without losing Si’s character of being a fun econosport that is able without losing its cool when going through rough roads.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Si’s brakes have to be considered as some of the best in this price range. Stops are short and straight, while the ABS doesn’t kick-in unnecessarily unlike Hondas of the past. The pedal feel is top-notch with wonderful braking feel and modulation.

Interior: Except for a set of excellent sports seats which are very supportive, the rest of the interior is typical Civic fanfare. An ergonomically designed center console that put climate control and stereo altogether, one can control both systems using only one hand. The dual instrumentation gauges might look weird at first. Once you get used to it, it works very nicely.

Conclusion: The arrival of Si proves that Civic’s soul is back. Everything that had been lost in previous iteration all back for good in the latest Si. Its handling, performance, styling and interior materials all finally live up to its Si monikor. Combine with its affordable 25k price tag, the result is an econosport that is very hard to beat.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 HONDA CIVIC SI
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5