Honda Civic Si 2008

2008 HONDA CIVIC Si

The Si versions have arrived, two years after the introduction of the new-generation Civic. Offered in coupe and sedan models, the Si’s main distinguishing features are its 2.0-litre engine, 6-speed manual transmission, firmer suspension tuning, P215/45R17 tires, sport seats and rear wing spoiler. We tested the sedan.

Interior and trunk

With its low stance and slanted windshield, the Si is relatively difficult to enter and exit. The front seats prove very comfortable, even without adjustable lumbar support. Because of the deep side bolsters, heavily built people will find the seats a bit narrow, especially with an extra layer of clothing. With the telescoping steering wheel it is easy to find a very good driving position.

In the back, it’s getting out that can be difficult because of the narrow door openings. The bench seat provides good comfort for two adults. While legroom is adequate, headroom is tight for average to tall people, and there is not much foot room under the front seats. The folding seatback is split 60/40.

The trunk is roomy and has a low load sill. Unfortunately, the trunk opening is small, as is the opening behind the folding seatback.

Convenience and safety features

The cabin is very well finished in quality materials. Sound isolation is good as long as you’re driving on a perfectly smooth surface, like new pavement. On other surfaces, road noise is very intrusive. Storage spaces abound throughout.

Gauges and controls are well laid out. Several controls, and the glove compartment, are not illuminated at night. The button controls on the steering wheel are a bit small for many users. The heating system heats up slowly but provides very good heat. There are no intermediate positions between the different air distribution settings, but the fan has 12 speeds.

As the windshield is recessed from the front roof pillars, snow accumulates and can block the scope of the wipers, forcing the motor.

Safety features include six airbags (two front, two side, two curtain), two active head restraints in front, and four-wheel antilock disc brakes. The front head restraints do not adjust high enough for tall people, and in the back, the adjustment is too low for anyone of average height or over. Outward visibility is very good, but it is hard to judge distances when backing up and the rear head restraints can create blind zones. The top of the dashboard reflects off the windshield. The headlights are bright. The windshield wipers are a bit slow.

In U.S. government crash tests, the Civic sedan obtained five stars out of five for both front-occupant protection in a frontal impact and rear-passenger protection in a side impact. It received four stars for side-impact protection for front-occupant, and four stars for rollover resistance. In frontal-offset and side-impact tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Civic earned a Good rating, IIHS’s highest.

Engine and transmission

The 2.0-litre 4-cylindre engine makes 197 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to the i-VTEC variable valve control system, this square engine (bore and stroke are of equal dimension) ably combines high-rev power and low-speed torque. Acceleration and pickup are energetic and well felt. Best performance is obtained above 5,000 rpm. At 6,000 rpm, the sound of the engine changes, and performance is even livelier up to 7,800 rpm. In normal driving, the engine can run at 2,000 rpm in sixth gear without balking. Pickup isn’t brisk at that level but it shows just how supple the engine is, and it can still provide good acceleration. The engine meets Tier2/Bin5 emissions control standards and runs on premium fuel.

The six-speed close-ratio manual transmission is a charm to use and a benchmark for its short throws, ease of shift and precision. Gearing is very good and the clutch is relatively smooth. Sixth gear lowers engine speed by about 1,000 rpm, which reduces fuel consumption. This is the only available transmission.

On the road

The four-wheel independent Si suspension is some 20% stiffer than the other versions. Though generally comfortable, the ride is perturbed at times by harsh reactions on some bumps. Road-hold is excellent, and the Si responds instantly to driver commands. There is almost no lean in turns. Evidently, because of the firmness of the suspension, you have to watch out for vehicle hop in a turn on rough surfaces. The Si feels sturdy but sensitive to side winds. The power steering is well tuned. It is quicker than in the other versions and takes getting used to. It provides no road feedback, and that’s unfortunate for such a sporty vehicle. The turning radius is small. Braking could be sharper but doesn’t fade after a few panic stops.

In an inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre we saw that the Civic is very well assembled, with a sturdy underside well protected everywhere but in the centre against corrosion. Debris can get through an opening under the front bumper and damage the air-conditioner condenser. The overhead camshafts are chain driven.

Conclusion

The Civic Si is obviously not meant for all consumers but it definitely will satisfy drivers who appreciate sporty vehicles. Best of all, practicality isn’t lost to the Si’s sporty nature. Of course, there’s a price to pay in higher fuel consumption and the premium gasoline requirement.

PROS: front-seat comfort, road hold, handling, large trunk, lively supple engine, generous standard equipment

CONS: road noise, slow heater, power steering transmits no road feel, visibility backing up, rear access, head restraints do not adjust high enough

2008 HONDA CIVIC Si

Engine: 16-valve, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Horsepower: 197 hp at 7,800 rpm Torque: 139 lb-ft at 6,100 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/disc Wheelbase: 270 cm Length: 448.9 cm Width: 175.2 cm Height: 143.5 cm Weight: 1,305 kg Tires: P215/45R17 Maximum towing capacity: 450 kg Airbags: dual front, plus two side and two curtain airbags

Fuel consumption: Natural Resources Canada rating: City: 10.2 L/100 km (27 mpg) Highway: 6.8 L/100 km (42 mpg) Test result: 8.5 L/100 km (33 mpg) Test temperature: 3°C to 22°C

Fuel tank capacity: 50 litres

Fuel requirement: premium grade gasoline Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 8.1 seconds 60–100 km/h: 5.8 seconds

Competition: Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Dodge Caliber SRT4, Mazdaspeed3, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Nissan Sentra SE-R, Subaru Impreza WRX, Volkswagen GTI

Warranty: Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/unlimited km Perforation damage: 5 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system).

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $692 Front brake disc: $181 Brake pads: $75 Muffler: $316 Front fender: $157

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $1,159 to $1,357

Price according to trim level: $26,680

Main options: none

Price as tested: $26,680

Freight and preparation: $1,295

Dealers: Quebec: 61 Canada: 204