Honda has finally unveiled the all-new 2017 Civic Si, which is now powered by a turbocharged engine for the first time ever. The Civic Si ditches the old 2.4L four-cylinder for a smaller, 1.5L turbocharged and direct-injected engine that generates 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft. of torque, which is mated to a standard six-speed manual.
Related: 2017 Honda Civic Type R debuts with 306-HP!
The 2017 Civic Si will be available in sedan and coupe versions, which means if you were hoping for a hotter version of the new Civic hatchback, you’ll need to step up to the Civic Type R. Compared to the old naturally-aspirated engine, the new 1.5L generates more horsepower and torque at a lower rpm. The 205 horsepower arrives 1,300 rpm lower in the rev range and the 192 lb-ft. is produced 2,300 rpm earlier.
The new Civic Si is also lighter than the outgoing model and gets a nice list of performance upgrades, including a dual-pinion adaptive electric power steering system, sport-tuned suspension, an adaptive damper system, a helical limited-slip differential, larger 12.3-inch front brake rotors and wider 235/40 R18 tires with a performance tire option.
The upgraded suspension includes stiffer spring rates, more rigid stabilizer bars, solid front and rear compliance bushings, and more rigid front upper control arms that are shared with the Civic Type R.
In terms of styling, the 2017 Civic Si will stand out from the lesser powered models with a “wing” front fascia with larger side air intake features, 18-inch wheels with a unique two-tone finish and a chrome center-mounted exhaust finisher. At the rear, the Si Sedan gets larger side vent features and a deck lid spoiler. The Si Coupe adds a prominent raised spoiler.
The Civic Si interior features Si-exclusive bolstered front sport seats with red stitching. The red sport stitching carries through to the doors, steering wheel and leather shift boot with aluminum shift knob. The Si interior also features a red driver’s TFT meter and audio system illumination, aluminum sport pedals and Dry Metal Carbon instrument panel trim.
“The 2017 Honda Civic Si is our first turbocharged Si and sets a new sporty compact benchmark in terms of agility and precise handling while building toward the launch of the Type R as the final chapter in our epic 10th-generation Civic story,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president automobile division, American Honda.
Source: Honda
