Just a few years ago, Honda lost a bit of its edge, resulting in products like the Civic Si hatch, which failed to raise the pulse of buyers. However, with the new offerings coming out of the import powerhouse, it's fair to say that a lesson has been learned.
First there was the redesigned Civic Si Coupe that provided high-revving power at an attractive price, after which came the Civic Si Sedan – same fun with two additional doors. And now there's word that the next spring will usher in the Civic MUGEN Si Sedan, a fully-warranted tuner car available in extremely limited quantities from local Honda dealers.
Why it mattersThough only 500 units will be produced annually, the MUGEN Si is significant for Honda. First, it proves that Honda is serious about satisfying performance-oriented consumers, those who want a tuned toy right out of the box, or those who may look at the MUGEN as an example of how they can tweak their own Civic. Second, the MUGEN Si Sedan pushes images of the previous generation Civic Si hatchback into the dark recesses of buyers' minds, which for many enthusiasts is a good thing. And third, with more buyers shifting into smaller efficient vehicles, competition is increasing, meaning that an expanded Civic lineup including the likes of a basic Si and a MUGEN Si may help to overshadow worthy rivals.
What's under the hood Most of the MUGEN changes are provided for handling improvements and visual enhancement, which means the 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC four-banger from the base Si was left untouched. The six-speed manual transmission has also been carried over. What's new is a unique cat-back exhaust system that lessens back pressure and, subsequently, improves the engine's power curve. Under the skin is a track-tuned suspension system with sport-tuned shocks and springs, aimed at providing exceptional handling balanced with a comfortable everyday ride. Forged aluminum wheels measure 18 inches, and despite being larger than the standard 17s, are actually 27 percent lighter. They roll on BFGoodrich g-Force 215/40ZR18 performance tires.
What it looks like What may be most noticeable on the Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan is the oversized rear wing, sprayed in Fiji Blue Pearl paint to match the rest of the car. A lower body kit complements the rear wing and includes side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a front spoiler, while 18-inch forged alloys rolling on BFGoodrich performance rubber fill the wheel wells. Finishing off the exterior treatment are selectively placed badges, most notably on the grille, trunk lid, and rear wing.
Inside, there are very few changes to the MUGEN Si Sedan. In fact, there are only two -- a cue-ball type shift knob mated to the six-speed manual transmission, and a placard on the dash denoting the vehicle's serial number.
When you can buy itIf you're thinking the MUGEN is your perfect ride, you'll have to wait until next spring to call one your own. That's when the first examples are expected to hit dealer lots with a price that will be “less than $30,000”, though with only 500 units available per year, mark ups may be part of the MUGEN buying process.
Not so coincidentally, the launch of the MUGEN took place within hours of the release of
2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan pricing. Base models will start at $21,885 including a $595 destination charge, whereas the Civic Si Sedan with a navigation system and performance starts at $23,835 (also including destination). The Civic Si Sedan went on sale in late October.
What we think When we learned that the 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan started at less than $22,000, we saw that as a reasonable deal. You get the Si's sportier look, improved driving character, and of course that peaky engine. The MUGEN takes everything up a level, with promises of improved handling, a more aggressive appearance, and a few features that make this ride unique among Civics.
That being said, we're anxious to see some stats supporting the advantages of the MUGEN treatment – slalom speeds, skid pad performance – that kind of stuff. Plus, we'd hope for a price far less than $30,000, since anything more would put the Civic amongst competition with which it couldn't compete.
Photos courtesy of Thom Blackett and Honda
