2002 Honda Civic Si - First Drive - Japanese Car - Test

If Honda has anything to worry about, it's surely comparisons to the Euro Civic Type-R, which has the same drivetrain as the Acura RSX Type-S. That's 197 hp (in the European Civic-the U.S. Acura has 200), 142 lb-ft of torque, and a standard six-speed gearbox. Move to Europe and you'll also get appropriately aggressive 17-in. rolling stock-why don't we? Perhaps it's that Honda knows its young buyership will head straight for their local Manny, Moe, and Mgen for wheels, tires, and breathing apparatus. And because Honda didn't want to encroach on the more expensive Acura's territory, it gave us the standard RSX's engine and gearbox.

Inside, snug, well-bolstered Recaro-like front buckets have charcoal suede bolsters around a red insert. The "aluminum" plastic trim on the dash is nicely designed, although not perfectly executed on the preproduction model we drove. And like other hot-hatch versions of economy/family cars, the rear-seat upholstery is different from the front seats. The switch for the standard power sunroof is in the commonly expected place-on the headliner just above the rearview mirror; every other Honda/Acura sold in North America with a sunroof has its switch on the dash.

Overall, it's a really nice interior, well above North American-made Civics for material quality and ambience and good enough to rival the interiors of VW's Golf, the standard-bearer in this size category. The spaciousness of the interior-the back seat actually is comfortable for adults on day-long journeys-is emphasized in the tight, hatchback body. It fits the mini ideal of big interior/small exterior.

Unfortunately, that exterior is a bit on the bland side. Other than cool wheels and a red badge on the tail, there's little to distinguish the Si from standard-issue Euro Civics. A red Si grille badge and standard (to prevent dealer gouging) foglights in front would be a start. But the Euro-ization of the Civic, on balance, is a very good thing. And though final pricing hasn't been announced, this well-rounded package should be a good value and make an ideal comparo against that SVT-ified Civic. Now, Honda North America would do well to inject some of the Si's power, handling, and personality into the coupe and sedan

And don't forget to say thanks to that punk, er, youth, in the over-modified hatchback who's trying to pick up your daughter.