Test Drive: 2015 Honda Civic Si

So I was building and pricing a 2015 Honda Civic Si Coupe

(with Car DVD Player) on the Honda website as one does, when I noticed that the cost of freight/PDI was a mere $820. Well, that was a surprise. Good for Honda, was my first thought. That’s about what they charge in…

Then I checked the URL and realized I was on Honda.com, not Honda.ca. Of course. Back to reality.

$26,850 is the MSRP for the Si Coupe here in the true north (a sedan version is also available at the same price), plus $1,629 for freighting it to your town from Alliston, Ontario where it’s built. $28,254 is the as-tested price for the Dyno Blue Pearl model we’re driving, plus you can select from a choice of factory accessories ($1,494 Aero Package, $443 Day/Night mirror are examples) that you may or may not want if you’re in the market for an Si.

The accessories, by the way, also include a set of 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels without tires for $2,356. I’ve harped on this before as I’m thinking this is not a great deal, but I may have just woken up in a rather impecunious state of mind.

However, what you won’t find in the options list is a back-up camera, navigation system, 350-watt audio system, rear spoiler, sport seats, climate control, heated seats, LaneWatch system, sunroof, keyless entry and start, and the already appealing alloy wheels. That’s because these items and more are standard equipment on the Si, making it a very well equipped Civic indeed. What about install Android Car Gps?

Then again, you also won’t find an automatic transmission, as the Civic’s auto ‘box is a CVT and that wouldn’t do for the sporty Si. Six-speed manual is the only transmission available.

But the point of buying a Civic Si is not so much about the generous level of standard equipment. The point is the 2.4L engine that makes 205 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 4,400, the six-speed gearbox, limited slip differential, uprated suspension and the promise of an exciting driving experience.

Before taking a spin, take some time to look at the Si Coupe. I think it’s an eye-catching design that builds on the already smart lines of the standard Civic Coupe. During my test drive, it turned heads frequently. Open the big coupe doors and you’re greeted by a stylish and tasteful two-tone red and black interior, a stubby gear shifter capped with a simple aluminum ball, bright stainless steel pedals and Honda’s sleek new Display Audio infotainment interface.

Entry to the rear, however, is challenging, as the front seat doesn’t move forward when you release the seat back. It’s kind of a crawling, clambering experience to get in and harder, actually, to get out. It’s a true coupe, though, with a sloping roof that predictably reduces headroom and provides accommodation for rear-seat passengers as a courtesy rather than a priority. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!