Honda Civic Si
No wonder Detroit is apprehensive.
Japan’s automakers continue rolling out head-turners, while beleaguered General Motors, which anchors America’s Big Three automakers, reshuffles top executives in search of a success formula.
What General Motors really needs are vehicles competitive with cars such as Japan’s new $11,900 Honda Civic Si.
This model, which I recently tested, illustrates how Japan’s auto talent and aggressiveness are overshadowing giant General Motors.
For instance, General Motors’s largest division – Chevrolet – has so many models it should have at least two hot ones to square up against the Honda Civic Si.
But Chevy has nothing new to compete with them. The Chevy Cavalier and Beretta/Corsica models are too old for the Honda Civic Si.
The Honda Civic Si is not perfect, but is one of the best tickets in the house for the warm-weather driving season.
Here are their pros and cons of Honda Civic Si:
This two-door subcompact hatchback is the sportiest of the new Civic hatchbacks, thanks mostly to its racy four-cylinder engine. It’s only 1.6 liters in size, but generates 125 horsepower because of its advanced design. It features 16 valves, which is double the usual number for a four-cylinder, and has variable valve timing for right-now response at all speeds.
The smooth engine’s efficiency lets it pull the front-drive Honda Civic Si from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in a quick 8.5 seconds, and also allows a driver to thumb his nose at gas stations because it provides 29 m.p.g. in the city and 36 on highways.
Only a five-speed manual transmission is offered because an automatic would stifle acceleration. The shifter is a bit notchy, as is the case with most front-drive cars, but is acceptable. It works with a light, short-throw clutch that doesn’t make the Honda Civic Si a pain in stop-and-go traffic.
The Honda Civic Si‘s power four-wheel disc brakes work impressively. The power steering is a bit light, but is quick and accurate. Roadability is excellent. The ride is good for a short-wheelbase car, although wavy pavement causes body bounce.
The Honda Civic Si has impressive room for four tall adults, but front seat belts get in the way of rear-seat entry and exit. Luggage space is good for a small car. The comfortable front bucket seats offer excellent support in the turns, and instrumentation and control layout should be a model to other automakers.
The Honda Civic Si is well-equipped, with a driver’s air bag, power sunroof, dual power mirrors and rear-window wiper/washer. But air-conditioning is an extra $720, and there’s no standard radio. The car’s AM/FM/cassette costs $420.
