The 2017 Civic Si Sedan and Coupe are the eighth iteration of Si, Civic’s legendary, enthusiast-oriented Civic variant, whose roots in America date to the 1985 debut of the Civic CRX Si (see Civic Si History). The new Civic Si is based on the 10th-generation Civic platform, the most comprehensive and performance-minded remake in the model’s 44-year history, and substantially advanced the fun, fast and agile nature of Si.
The 2017 Si Sedan and Si Coupe are the first Si models to use turbocharged engines, utilizing an upgraded, high-boost version of the 1.5-liter direct-injected and turbocharged new powerplant that made its U.S. debut in the 2016 Civic Sedan. The new Honda AP2 engine offers drivers more power and torque down low, with a minimum of turbo lag along with a fatter power band, compared to previous, normally aspirated models. All Si models come equipped with a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission.
The new Civic Si also benefits from the extensive remake of the 10th-generation Civic platform – which was benchmarked against luxury C-class competitors for ride, handling, steering precision and high-speed stability – and are further enhanced by Si-exclusive chassis tuning and engineering and Si-exclusive performance bits, including a helical limited-slip differential and new Adaptive Damper System and variable-ratio electric power steering. The upgraded performance capabilities of Si are matched by extensive exterior and interior upgrades that strongly distinguish Si from its more mainstream Sedan and Coupe counterparts.
Powertrain and chassis
Powering the Civic Si is a high-performance, high-torque 1.5-liter, directed-injected and turbocharged DOHC in-line 4-cylinder engine with dual variable cam timing (dual VTC). Mated to a short-throw, 6-speed manual transmission, the powertrain provides a thrilling new driving experience with more low-end grunt and increased torque output across the engine’s full rev range compared to the previous Si. Peak output of 205 horsepower1 arrives 1300 rpm lower in the rev range, and the greatly increased peak torque of 192 lb-ft2 (+18 lb-ft) is produced 2300 rpm earlier and sustained over 70 percent of the rev range.
Allowing full utilization of the powertrain, the 2017 Civic Si’s rigid body includes highly upgraded chassis and drive components, including a dual-pinion adaptive electric power steering system with variable ratios, sport-tuned suspension, an adaptive damper system, a helical limited-slip differential, larger front brake rotors (12.3-inch) and wider 235/40 R18 tires. In addition to adaptive dampers, suspension upgrades over the Civic EX-T include stiffer spring rates, more rigid stabilizer bars (+7 percent front, +26 percent rear), and solid front and rear compliance bushings, the latter shared with the track-focused Civic Type R.
The 2017 Civic Si now features two driving mode options – Normal and Sport – allowing the driver to choose vehicle dynamic characteristics according to their tastes and the driving environment. From the more comfort-oriented yet well controlled default Normal Mode, the Sport Mode adjusts the suspension damping characteristics plus steering and throttle response for a more taut and direct driving experience.
Sporty design and styling
Upping the sporty style quotient from the standard Civic Sedan and Coupe, the Si models feature an aggressive gloss black “solid wing” front fascia with larger lower air intakes, 18-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels with high contrast finish, 235-series low-profile tires, and a chrome center-mounted hexagonal exhaust finisher. At the rear, the Si Sedan includes a unique rear fascia and a decklid wing spoiler incorporating a LED brake light. The Si Coupe continues the Civic Coupe’s distinctive full-width light bar and adds a prominent raised wing spoiler.
The Civic Si interior features Si-exclusive bolstered front sport seats with red stitching, including stitched Si logos and integrated head restraints. The red stitching carries through to the doors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot. The Si interior also features a red driver’s TFT meter and audio system illumination, alloy sport pedals and matte carbon-look trim on the instrument panel.
Interior Comfort, Convenience and Connectivity
The new Civic Si variants offer premium comfort and convenience features building off the EX-T Civic Sedan and EX-T Civic Coupe, including a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen that serves as the nerve center for control of audio, HVAC and other functions. The Display Audio is integrated with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ platforms, providing seamless integration of smartphone features and functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, and access to a host of Apple- or Google-approved smartphone apps. All Si models feature a 450-watt, 10-speaker premium sound system with AM/FM, SiriusXM® Radio, HD Radio™ and Pandora® capability.
New for the 2017 Civic Si is a Driver Information Interface (DII) that adds a range of selectable real-time information designed to support performance driving. The 7-inch color TFT can display throttle input and brake input application in a graphic percentage format, turbocharger boost in pounds per square inch (psi), lap time (intended for use on closed circuits), race-inspired Rev-limit indicators, and a graphical G-Force gauge that provides a representation of acceleration, braking and cornering forces
In addition, the 2017 Civic Si Coupe and Sedan gain several premium features for the first time ever on a Si model including heated front seats (both cushion and seat back), dual-zone automatic climate control, Walk Away Auto Lock® and an electric parking brake with hill start assist.
Safety Performance
The 2017 Civic Si Coupe and Sedan are designed to provide a high level of collision safety performance in a wide variety of collision scenarios, including offset and oblique-angle frontal collisions as well as side and rear impacts. The Civic’s safety performance starts with its class-leading forward visibility and precise, stable and predictable steering, handling and braking performance. Standard four-channel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)4 with traction control and Agile Handling Assist further enhance dynamic stability and emergency maneuvering and braking performance. The Civic Si received the highest NCAP 5-star Overall Vehicle Score.
Manufacturing
The 2017 Civic Si Coupe and Sedan for the U.S. market will be produced at Honda’s plant in Ontario, Canada, using domestic and globally sourced parts. The Civic Si’s 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is produced in Anna, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts, at the largest automobile engine plant in Honda’s global production network.