It was 1986, you were 22 years old, and life was about busting tail to work off college loans, with what little time you had left over devoted to having fun. That last part’s the reason you forked over your hard-earned, junior mailroom executive wages for Honda’s first Civic Si. You and that high-revving ride lived fast, but while the Si remained largely ageless, you simply aged. What once offered endless good times now made you cringe at the thought of reaching back to the car seats, and trying to stuff a growing family of three, and then four, into this two-door was a lesson difficulty. If only that little rocket could morph into a sedan…
Fast forward to 2007, and that’s just what the Honda Civic Si has done. Due to arrive in the fall of 2006, the 197-horsepower 2007 Si Sedan (yeah, that’ll take some getting used to) promises the kind of grins that can only be had near 8,000 rpm, and until now, only in coupe form.
Worry not, my friend -- those days of looking at that baby seat with mixed blessings will soon be behind you.
What it is For the first time since its inception in 1986, the Honda Civic Si will be available with four doors. There have been multiple variations over the years, comprised entirely of coupes and hatchbacks, but the 2007 sedan is a first. This is a slick looking ride, but let’s hope that a wagon version isn’t in the works.
Essentially, the
2007 Honda Civic Si sedan will be a four-door interpretation of the coupe that made its debut for the 2006 model year. Under the hood is the same 197-horsepower engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission, and while we were unable to get inside the concept car, one should expect the interior to feature the same sport seats and upgraded Si trim.
Why it matters As much as automotive journalists have fawned over the
2006 Honda Civic Si coupe for its performance and value, the car does have a few shortcomings, the most notable being the number of doors. Coupes and hatchbacks draw a niche crowd, alienating much of the buying public because of a lack of utility or love-it-or-hate-it styling. On the other hand, a sedan allows for easier access to the rear seat, has a more mainstream look, and therefore appeals to car shoppers looking for a ride that’s more than just fun to drive – it’s also a joy to live with.
What’s under the hood Like the coupe version that went on sale in December of 2005, the 2007 Honda Civic Si sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter, dual overhead cam, 16-valve, i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that generates 197 horsepower at a lofty 7,800 rpm and 139 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,100 rpm. Clearly, drivers who don’t like to spin the tach needle will need to look for more displacement elsewhere. Power is directed to the front wheels thanks to a six-speed manual transmission, and a limited slip differential is standard. EPA ratings for the Si coupe are 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, similar to what one could expect from the 2007 Civic Si sedan.
What’s insideWith its deeply tinted windows and concept car status, the 2007 Honda Civic Si sedan shown at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show left many guessing about what the production car will look like inside. However, it’s safe to assume that the sedan mirror the coupe with sport bucket seats up front, a thumping standard sound system with a subwoofer, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy shift knob, side and side-curtain airbags, and an available navigation system.
What it looks like It’s surprising how a few tweaks can turn the polarizing style of the Honda Civic sedan into something with an abundance of visual appeal. Unveiled at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show in concept form, the 2007 Civic Si sedan wears aggressive 18-inch black alloy wheels fitted with 225/40 performance tires, large cross-drilled disc brakes with painted Brembo calipers, and a body-color rear spoiler. Our eyes feasted on the rubber crammed into and pushing the outer boundaries of the wheel wells, though the production version will surely sit a bit higher, allowing for more daylight between tire and car, not to mention a less punishing ride. The hood looks to be composed of tuner-favored carbon fiber, yet in reality is simply painted black.
What Honda saysHonda officials project that 80 percent of the 2007 Civic Si sedan’s buyers will be male, most of whom will be older than buyers of the coupe version. Soccer moms, please say hi to Si dads.
John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda, sums up the launch of the Si sedan this way: “We think this concept expresses a unique merger between the interior space, passenger capacity and functionality customers look for in a Civic sedan and the performance, style and character associated with the Si badge. Without a doubt, it will be a car worthy of its legacy and a welcome addition to the Civic line-up.” Right on, John.
What we think
We’ve spent a lot of time in the 2006 Honda Civic Si coupe, and have had a blast doing so. Chances are we’ll feel the same about the sedan, especially considering our over-30 editors are already drooling. Indeed, the Si sedan may lead to concessions we once considered laughable.
“Honey, didn’t you say something about wanting a family? I’ll make a deal with you. See, Honda’s got this new Si sedan…”
When you can buy it
Honda’s newest sport sedan, the 2007 Civic Si, will go on sale during the latter half of 2006. Pricing hasn’t been released but should be similar to that of the Si coupe, a model that starts at about $20,000.
Photos courtesy of Honda
