The name traces to 1984 in Honda lore with the Civic S hatchback. When fuel injection was added in 1986, the badge became Si, with the lower-case i indicating injection. Other Honda innovations followed, including the first North American application of Honda's VTEC wizardry of valve control. This new version looks too cool in a format that's a radical departure from the conventional stubby hatchback of previous Si iterations. The sleek shell and sturdy mechanical equipment may serve as a blank canvass that invites after-market modifications to build unique wheels. In three-door format inspired by diminutive European hatchbacks, the Si seems stout and stretches long over a wedge-shaped body. For kicks, a high-output dual-cam four-cylinder engine displaces 2.0 liters and supports the latest version of Honda's VTEC technology. The plant produces 160 hp and connects to a five-speed manual stick, the only transmission offered. Shift lever, mounted at the base of the center pod on the dash, extends upward to a point near the right side of the steering wheel. You can shift it quickly in the style of rally racers without moving your hand far off the steering wheel. This unusual placement for the shift stick sets the tone for an uncluttered but functional cabin design.
