Autoblog

Review: 2010 Honda Civic Si HFP not fast, is curious

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Performance, Honda, New Car Reviews

2010 Honda Civic Si HFP - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time was when any serious discussion of "hot hatches" - small, lightweight economy cars pumped full of go-fast parts and body modifications of dubious taste - always included the Honda Civic Si. Back in the day, the D16Z6-engined Si would routinely do battle against the Volkswagen GTI and Nissan Sentra SE-R for import tuner supremacy. Times, however, change.

These days, the battle for hot hatch supremacy starts and essentially ends with turbocharged beasties like the Mitsubishi Evolution and Subaru WRX/STI, with a dash of MazdaSpeed3 or Mini Cooper S thrown in for flavor. The Sentra SE-R is little more than a sad shell of its former self (a fact we find odd considering just how much cache Nissan has built up for the brand with its exotic-destroying Godzilla GT-R) and the Volkswagen GTI has evolved into an entry-level Audi - lots of interior and NVH refinement, but lacking the kicked-in-the-you-know-where power necessary to keep up with the all-wheel-drive Japanese kids. But what about the Civic Si? Where does it fit into the import tuner lexicon, especially when loaded up with lots of Honda Factory Performance (HFP) parts? Make the jump as we attempt to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda Civic Si HFP

Continue reading Review: 2010 Honda Civic Si HFP not fast, is curious

Review: 2010 Honda Civic Si HFP not fast, is curious originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Delayed Civic Begs the Question: Has Honda lost the plot? [w/poll]

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 May 2010 20:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Classics, Coupe, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Honda, Design/Style

Honda Civic: A History in Pictures - click above for a high-res image gallery

Honda Vice President John Mendel recently admitted to AutoWeek that the next-generation Civic will be delayed from the Fall of 2010 to sometime in 2011. Mendel said in the interview that the Civic was delayed because of tightening emissions standards and he also noted that changing market conditions were partly to blame. AW also notes that the Civic's design was changed along the way, as Honda's second biggest selling model was originally scheduled to be larger for 2011. Happens all the time, right? Well, not to Honda it doesn't.

Bill Visnic over at Edmunds Auto Observer has taken a deep-dive look at the broader implications of the Civic redesign, and came up with some very interesting points. For starters, Krebs speculates that the next Civic was delayed in part because it wasn't competitive compared to the new, vastly improved competition from companies like Hyundai, General Motors and Ford. While some analysts feel that the Honda redesign shows that the Japanese automaker is willing to swallow some humble pie and get things right, Krebs counters that going back to the drawing board shows that Honda has lost its touch with the car-buying public. Further support for her theory centers around the lackluster greeting for the Insight by both consumers and pundits, Acura's polarizing styling language and the love/hate Accord Crosstour and its embarassing social media launch efforts. Analyst John Wolkonowicz of Global Insight appears to agree with Krebs, saying that Honda is living off of its reputation from the 1980s and 1990s.

Where do we stand on the Honda Civic design pushback? We're thinking that as long as the Civic continues to sell in big numbers with relatively small incentives, Honda is smart to head back to the drawing board, especially as it is still selling strongly five years into its lifecycle. However, we've been worried that Honda has been losing its engineering-led focus for a while now, so we'll be looking to the next-gen Civic for some level of redemption.

Be sure to take our poll and check out our high-res gallery of Honda Civic history before heading over to the Auto Observer for some very interesting analysis.

Gallery: Honda Civic: A History in Pictures

View Poll

[Source: Auto Observer]

Delayed Civic Begs the Question: Has Honda lost the plot? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 20:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-generation Honda Civic may be delayed

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:35:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Honda

Typically, most automakers stick to a relatively strict five-year product cycle for their highest-selling, most important products. The Honda Civic, for example, debuted in September of 2005, so realistically, a new model should be just around the corner, right? Not exactly.

In an interview with AutoWeek, American Honda executive vice president John Mendel said that changing market conditions and tougher fuel economy and emissions regulations have strongly affected the development of the next-generation Civic, meaning that the new model won't come until sometime in 2011. AW also reports that the Civic's redesign has been altered along the way - the new model was supposed to be larger than the current model, but now it has been redesigned to be closer in size to the current one (pictured above).

What's more, with hot new products like the 2012 Ford Focus on deck, Honda will certainly have to up the ante on the Civic's level of equipment, style and refinement. The Civic is still one of the world's best-selling cars: about one million are moved each year. And with the U.S. accounting for approximately one-third of those sales, Honda would be wise to ensure that the next-generation Civic will be attractive enough to keep it in the top tier of high-selling vehicles in the States.

Gallery: 2009 Honda Civic

[Source: AutoWeek]

Next-generation Honda Civic may be delayed originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Mismatched much? Challenger SRT8 vs. Civic Si

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Dodge, Honda

We've driven the Honda Civic Si, and have found it to be an entertaining vehicle to attack some twisties. A drag racer, though, it is most assuredly not. Sure, offering just shy of two-hundred horsepower from such a small engine is impressive, but the distinct lack of torque and the stratospheric rev-ceiling required to extract those ponies will surely limit the straight-line drag numbers. The new Dodge Challenger SRT8, on the other hand, does not require high-rev shenanigans in order to scorch the 1320, and this point is proven in the video posted after the break. Although only covering an eighth mile, the Challenger has no problem keeping the Si at bay. We're not knocking the Si, as this type of activity is clearly not its proper playground, but listen closely when playing the video and you'll hear that the Challenger's pilot was toying with the Civic driver. It's not until the last few hundred feet that the Hemi driver dips into the throttle, leading to a few chuckles from the crowd.

[Source: Youtube via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mismatched much? Challenger SRT8 vs. Civic Si

VIDEO: Mismatched much? Challenger SRT8 vs. Civic Si originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 May 2008 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Mugen Edition Honda Civic Si vandalized on dealer lot

Merritt Johnson — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Honda

I have a soft spot for special edition Hondas. Unfortunately, so do a lot of people. They are more coveted by thieves than your Pay Pal password. An Acura Integra Type R or Honda Civic Si usually does a disappearing act when parked on dimly lit street. Apparently not even the latest generation Honda Civic Si is immune from the Honda curse. One car dealership has learned what every modified Honda owner knows; do not park your limited edition 2008 Mugen Honda Civic Si in an open lot. Thus, the 1,000 allotted Mugen Civic Si's slated for the United States are now down to 999. Before it could even reach the hands of an eager enthusiast, one Mugen Si was raided in the night while parked on a dealership lot. The thieves smashed a window, took the wheels, seats, badges, and shift knob, among other misc. items. The car was found by dealership employees perched on two jackstands and the front rotors. Sights like this really break my heart. I hope karma comes back and bites those who did the crime. View the gallery to check out the damage. Thanks for the tip Joe!

[Source: EPhatch.com via 8thcivic.com]

Gallery: 2008 Mugen Edition Honda Civic Si

2008 Mugen Edition Honda Civic Si vandalized on dealer lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda prices Civic MUGEN Si Sedan from $29,500

Alex Nunez — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Tuners, Sedan, Performance, Honda

Click image for photo gallery

Short and sweet: If you want one of the 1,000 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si sedans coming to dealer showrooms, you will have to pony up $29,500 plus taxes and destination charges. That amount gets you a Civic Si that's been given the once-over by MUGEN, which supplies a track-tuned suspension, aerodynamics package, lightweight wheels, and a sport exhaust. A number of bespoke touches dress up the interior as well. You can read our original posts and the press release after the jump for full info on the car. As for the price, whether or not it's "worth" it depends on your level of interest, naturally. Something tells us that the first official MUGEN vehicle for the US market will have no problem attracting 1,000 people willing to part with 30 grand.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si

Continue reading Honda prices Civic MUGEN Si Sedan from $29,500

Honda prices Civic MUGEN Si Sedan from $29,500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda says diesel-powered Civic Type-R in the works

Chris Shunk — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Green, Hatchback, Honda

click above image to view more pics of the Euro-spec Honda Civic Type-R

For some strange reason, the U.S. is sort of like the village of the damned when it comes to cool overseas products, because we never seem to get anything that our friends overseas get. Take the Civic Type-R, for instance. It's a sweet hatch that looks way cooler than the Si coupe or sedan Honda sells Stateside. Now comes word from Autocar in the UK that the Type-R will soon receive a high-revving diesel engine. The 2.2L turbodiesel, which will also power the 2009 Accord, is rumored to kick out 180 HP and 320 ft-lbs. of torque. A top Honda powertrain engineer, Kenichi Nagahiro, says that the diesel-powered Type-R will live up to the Civic Type-R's performance standards. All that fun and 40-50 mpg sounds like something that would sell in the U.S.

Since we'll eventually be getting a diesel-powered Accord in the near future, maybe there is a chance that some day we'll see a diesel Civic on sale in the U.S. As for the Type-R hatch ever being seen in the U.S., we're going with fat chance.

[Source: Autocar]

Gallery: Honda Civic Type R hatchback (EU)

Honda says diesel-powered Civic Type-R in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2007 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eye Candy: Honda releases more pics of the Civic Mugen Si

Alex Nunez — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Honda

click above image for a new high-res gallery of the Civic Mugen Si

The Honda Civic Mugen Si is the first real factory Mugen vehicle to be offered in the United States. When Honda pulled the wraps off the production car last month, all we saw were a few static studio images. That's been remedied, as the automaker has unleashed a mess 'o new shots, showing the trick, tuned Civic Si carving up a track. Limited to 1,000 units, the Mugen Si gets a more aggressive suspension tune, the body kit shown, and lighter wheels. Power is the same as the standard Civic Si, but we have a feeling the Mugen will hustle around the track in less time. It goes on sale this fall. All the new photos have been added to the gallery below. Enjoy.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si

Eye Candy: Honda releases more pics of the Civic Mugen Si originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Civic MUGEN Si on sale this fall

Alex Nunez — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Honda

Click image for photo gallery

Ahhh, Autumn. We love it so. The leaves change, football is in full swing, the air gets brisk, and Honda comes clean with a MUGEN for us Yanks. That's right, kids: Americans will finally be able to buy a Mugen-prepared Honda Civic this fall. Following up on the Honda Civic MUGEN Si show car that was displayed at SEMA last year, Honda has announced that the production version will go on sale in October. The Civic MUGEN Si is powered by the same 197-horsepower four-cylinder as the standard-issue Si, but the MUGEN is the beneficiary of a track-tuned suspension, lighter wheels, and a new sport exhaust. It also gets the requisite aero kit with an updated grille, skirting and new spoilers fore and aft. Inside, look for a new shift knob and a plaque. Only 1,000 Civic MUGEN Si sedans will be built for the 2008 model year (sorry, no coupes), and all will be finished in the Fiji Blue Pearl you see here. Full pricing details weren't announced, but Honda did say that the car will go for less than $30,000. Until enthusiasts here in the States are offered a Type R, this is gonna be the Civic to have. Sure, it's no Civic MUGEN RR, but it's a start.

[Source: Honda]

Gallery: 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si

Continue reading Honda Civic MUGEN Si on sale this fall

Honda Civic MUGEN Si on sale this fall originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Edmunds' verdict on six sport compacts

Scott Davis — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Mazda, Mini, Subaru, Volkswagen

To be a contender in the sport compact category, there are a few things you must bring to the table. There at least three or four that immediately come to mind; small, sporty, inexpensive and relatively practical. They should also clearly stand out from their more pedestrian versions.

Our friends at Edmunds gathered a group of six of the hottest sport compacts available in the US today and put them through their paces to determine the best of the best. The six contenders for the title are (in no specific order) the 2006 Honda Civic Si, 2006 MINI Cooper S, 2007 Mazdaspeed3, 2006 Volkswagen GTI, 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS and the 2006 Subaru WRX TR.

Who won? Check out the finishing order after the jump and follow this link to read the entire article.

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Edmunds' verdict on six sport compacts

Edmunds' verdict on six sport compacts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Dec 2006 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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V-Dub may pimp der own autos

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: SEMA Show, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

When Volkswagen lampooned the slow and show crowd during the marketing of their new GTI, they took a much-needed swing at the purveyors and consumers of the automotive detritus that makes up most of SEMA. When VW showed up with two of their own tweaked vehicles in Vegas, we couldn't help but imagine the manufacturers of the super-battle-tsunami-ninja-aero body kit scowling at the VW booth right before hocking a loogie onto the hood of the "Thunder Bunny."

Volkswagen's decision to participate in SEMA served a dual purpose -- they could not only gauge interest in offering factory-backed performance accessories, but they're also looking into producing specialized versions of their most popular models.

The aforementioned "Thunder Bunny" is one of the more intriguing production considerations, not only because of the performance, but because it would directly compete with the GTI. Neuspeed developed a turbocharger system for the 'Bunny that produces 225 HP, from the 2.5-liter inline-five and when equipped with the Bilstein coilovers and Brembo brakes is an instant competitor in the sport compact arena.

V-dub's philosophy with tuning seems to be right on par with most potential buyers of the MazdaSpeed3 or Civic Si, namely offering class-leading performance, with a minimum of fanfare. As an example, one VW exec said 17-inch wheels would be chosen over 19- or 20-inch rollers, as the latter compromises handling and drivability. Those kinds of thoughts finding a voice are exactly what we like to hear and we look forward to results.

[Source: Automotive News -Sub. Req.]

V-Dub may pimp der own autos originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan

Alex Nunez — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Honda

As much as we like the Civic Si in coupe form, Honda just hit a tape-measure shot with the newly-unveiled Civic Si Sedan that was first previewed as a concept at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. We're so pleased, that we almost forgive them for witholding the Civic 5-Door and 3-Door from the US market. Almost -- but that's a gripe for another day.

The Civic Sedan is a better looking car than the coupe, so it's not surprising that the Si treatment looks great here. The transformation is very straightforward. Take one Civic sedan, add the Si mechanicals, interior, and visual cues, and voila! -- you now have a high-revving sport sedan that carries four in comfort.

If you're concerned that the sedan's added weight will make it less enjoyable fret not: it only weighs 60 lbs more than the coupe. Winding the Si's 197-hp 2.0-liter i-VTEC up to its 8,000 rpm redline through the 6-speed manual should be as fun as ever. Factor in the snazzy looks and the more practical bodystyle and ladies and gents, we have a winner.

(Pics, Press release after the jump)

[Source: Honda}

Continue reading 2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan

2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Sep 2006 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. to get Honda Civic Type-R?

Erin Mays — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Acura, Honda, Misc. Auto Shows

We might not get another Acura RSX, but as it turns out, that might not be such a bad thing. AutoWeek spotted the Honda Civic Type-R testing in Germany recently (pictured), and had a deep thought: the publication is ~~predicting~~ hoping that the Type-R, the tippy-top model in the Civic lineup, may be making its way to this side of The Pond.

Here's why: in an effort to take aim at BMW, Acura is moving upscale, leaving a Type-R -sized hole where the RSX used to operate. The production Type-R, powered by a 220 hp 2.0L four-cylinder, is set to premiere at the London Motor Show.

Similar statements have been made about the Civic Si as the RSX's replacement, but we're hoping AutoWeek is right and we're not left out of the loop on the Type-R yet again.

[Source: AutoWeek]

U.S. to get Honda Civic Type-R? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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