With the introduction of the all-new, 11th-generation Civic Si sedan, I can’t help but reflect back on last year’s coupe… The last Si coupe possibly ever.
- Car(s): 2020 Honda Civic Si HPT
- Location: Angeles National Forest, CA
- Photog: Peter Nelson (IG + Twitter: @16vPete)
- Camera: Canon 6D, EF 50mm 1.8 AF
The 10th-gen Si coupe was, and still is, hugely underrated. The proportions are great, it’s below 3,000 pounds, it has great standard tech (if that’s a concern), handles so well out of the box, and is plenty quick. Side note: This car has been a competitive platform in SRO TCA-class ever since they made their debut there, too.
On paper, 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds doesn’t sound that exciting when up against the likes of a slightly more-expensive Hyundai Veloster N, but it’s ample for the real world. Its 1.5-liter turbo engine, which is a good engine despite needing a lot of fake noise to make it exciting, has plenty of torque for getting around slow-pokes and left-lane hogs. As well as slicing through twisty canyon tarmac with all the gusto. Plus I think its exterior looks so good. Granted, some angles are a little awkward, but on the whole, it looks taut, small, and just a lot of fun. Sharper and less-wild than its big sibling the Type R, too.
To me, this all means that considering what’s required and demanded of new cars in this day and age, the 10th-gen Si will be looked back on as a sort of underrated legend.
It’s a real shame that Honda isn’t sending the U.S.-market a coupe of the all-new, soon-to-debut 11th-gen. But I get it; it’s tough enough selling a light, inexpensive, stick-shift enthusiast car these days. Perhaps it’ll make people appreciate previous-gen coupes more. And while the 10th-gen has plenty of mod-ability, maybe it’ll get even more notice from the aftermarket. Anyway, here’s a bonus picture:
