The 2017 Honda Civic Si takes the tenth generation Honda Civic’s redesign and adds performance enhancements, subtle styling cues and more driving exhilaration. All the features typically added to performance versions of cars have been added to the 2017 Civic Si, but with a touch of Honda allowing it to blend in a little more until you take a closer look. The Civic Si improves upon a turbocharged 2017 Honda Civic by adding 31hp, stiffer suspension and adaptive dampers, making it a true driver’s car for an affordable entry level price.
PERFORMANCE AND DRIVE
The 2017 Honda Civic Si is back in everyone’s good graces after the last version went out of production in 2015. With the success of the 2017 Civic, the Si version is able to build on an already successful vehicle. The Si model is known to bring racing inspiration and performance enhancements through engine tuning, sporty design upgrades and performance parts to improve drivability.
While the horsepower stays the same as previous model year, the 2017 Civic Si delivers maximum power much quicker at 5,700 RPM versus the previous 7,000 RPM. The new turbo charged engine also delivers much more torque (10% more than the previous model for a more powerful acceleration.
Powered by the same 1.5L turbocharged four cylinder engine as the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback, the 2017 Civic Si gets a performance tuning upgrade to output 205hp (versus the standard 174hp). While it is a tiny little engine, the turbo really spices things up, but if you happen to catch the turbo while uncharged then you get a real sampling of the small engine feel.
A front wheel drive system paired with a six speed short throw manual transmission accompanies the performance tuned engine. Despite being front wheel drive, the 2017 Civic Si achieves superb handling from the helical limited slip differential which helps transfer power between the front wheels, providing more control through turns. The short throw manual brings faster and smoother gear changes throughout the acceleration spectrum.
The 2017 Si also features a sport mode button, which when pressed, delivers a more racing inspired driving experience with a tighter steering feel and a more dampening for a precision turning. With already great steering feedback, turning is enhanced even more through the Sport mode.
Despite the performance tuning, the 2017 Civic Si still achieves impressive fuel consumption with a rating of 7.4 L/100km in the city and 5.6 L/100km on the highway. Honda suggests premium fuel to power the Si and it goes without saying that if you drive it passionately (like we did during our test drive), the consumption becomes quite a bit higher!
SUBTLE EXTERIOR SPORTINESS
The bold but subtle exterior stylings of the 2017 Honda Civic Si may leave a bit of sportiness to be desired, but reins in the wildness of the design of the 2017 Civic Type R. This happy medium between extreme performance and daily driver shows through on the 2017 Civic Si with a black front grille, a noticeable yet subdued rear wing spoiler, 18” wheels and a uniquely wide and thin centered exhaust.
The exterior of the Si showcases the standard lines and curves of the 2017 Civic, blending a variety of accent lines, sharp angles and cuts which give it a bold and modern appearance. Two creases on the sides and a beveled hood give it a chiseled look, showcasing the sporty design. The rear sports a complex design with almost too many features to look at with the c shaped tail lights, rear spoiler, carbon fiber-esk materials and all kinds of folds, creases and lines. However, the rear end is really a unique piece of work and has since grown on me and I’ve come to appreciate its complexity.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The racing inspired interior of the 2017 Honda Civic Si showcases supportive, sport seats stitched with red to make them pop, aluminum racing pedals and an aluminum shift knob with red highlights to control the six speed manual transmission.
Since the Si is a trim of the 2017 Civic, it comes with its own preset features. Unfortunately, there’s no choice for options or upgrades other than the exterior colour. It’s a shame that features like leather seats are not available, for those seeking a more luxurious trim like the Touring edition.
The 2017 Civic Si offers a great driving position. While you still get a bit of the feeling that you’re sitting slightly too high (like you’re on top of the car and not inside it), the ergonomics and interaction with the controls is superb. The steering wheel is just the right size and position and the pedals are perfectly spaced for ideal heal and toe action. The sport seats focus more on lateral support than comfort, but are still more comfortable for longer drives than many other performance car seats.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The 2017 Honda Civic Si offering is made simple with the only choice being exterior colour. While the Si model comes nicely equipped with heated seats, power driver’s seat and navigation, it is missing some luxury from the Touring edition such as leather seats, some driver assisting features and active safety features. All in all, the 2017 Civic Si offers great value for money, priced at $28,590, and delivers an exhilarating driving experience in a sporty looking vehicle.
