(continued from above)
"The Civic Si represents the sporty flagship of the Civic series," said John
Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The
broadened torque band of the 2012 model increases its appeal as a daily driver
while adding a new dimension of mid-range performance."
More powerful than the 2.0-liter engine in the previous generation Civic Si, the
new 2.4-liter engine produces 201 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 170 lb-ft torque at
4400 rpm, an improvement of 4 horsepower and 31 lb-ft of torque compared to the
previous model. A sport-oriented six-speed manual transmission sends power to a
helical-type limited-slip differential (LSD). The LSD helps the Civic Si
accelerate powerfully and confidently when exiting corners as both wheels can
deliver more equal torque distribution to the road compared to a conventional
open-type differential.
Exclusive Civic Si exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45
R17 tires, a body-color deck lid spoiler with an LED center brake light, fog
lights and a chrome exhaust finisher. Inside is an exclusive aluminum shift knob
with leather, textured aluminum pedals and firmly bolstered perforated cloth
sport seats with suede-like trim and red stitching. The steering wheel is
leather-trimmed with red stitching. The new "intelligent" Multi-Information
Display (i-MID) on the Civic Si includes an exclusive Power Monitor (as one of
its screens) that can indicate the percentage of total horsepower generated by
the engine. In addition, a Sequential Rev-limit Indicator located on the upper
instrument panel can show when the i-VTEC high-lift camshaft profile is engaged
and incrementally when the engine redline is approached and reached.
Civic Si Sedan's Exterior Design
Designed with a sleek windshield rake, a sweeping roofline and a new
interpretation of the previous model's "one-motion" profile, the lines of the
2012 Civic Sedan suggest a sophisticated and athletic appearance. The vehicle
features a low and wide stance that contributes to a distinctive visual
presence, while thinner A-pillars stretch further toward the front of the
vehicle than before to improve visibility and the perception of interior space.
The C-pillars also stretch further toward the rear of the vehicle compared to
the previous generation to better complete the flowing one-motion appearance.
Adding to the extensive 2012 Civic color palette, the Civic Si Sedan adds the
availability of a new Sunburst Orange Pearl paint color that change in
appearance depending on sunlight conditions, further amplifying the dramatic
bodylines.
The 2012 Civic embraces Honda's tradition of making its vehicles fun to drive by
continuing to use a fully independent suspension design, a premium and
exceptional feature in the entry compact segment. The front MacPherson strut and
rear multi-link suspensions are tuned for sporty driving fun, yet provide
refined ride comfort. Ride and handling improvements are made possible by a
10-percent more rigid unit-body structure resulting from enhanced structural
designs and increased use of high-strength steel (55 percent on the sedan
compared to 50 percent on the previous model).
The Civic Si receives exclusive suspension tuning compared to the regular Civic
Sedan. Front and rear spring rates are increased, sport-tuned damper settings
are used front and rear, and Civic Si models have a 0.4-inch lower ride height.
Front and rear stabilizer bars are larger, measuring 18 mm in the front and 15
mm in the rear. The Civic Si Sedan has a 17.7:1 steering ratio, identical to the
other 2012 Civic models. The Civic Si has 4-wheel disc brakes with11.8-inch
vented front rotors (up from 10.3 inches on all other Civic models) and
10.2-inch solid rear rotors.
Honda Civic Si Sedan: Review (2/2)
