For those who miss their IntegraWhen I was 20 years old, the rational side of my brain didn't always have control over the emotional side. I was young, I had a job and I was in love. Everything was working fine for me, except one thing: my car.
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The Si is the star of the Civic lineup. |
Once again, my vehicle broke down, and I was sick and tired of car payments and repair bills at the same time. To cheer myself up, I went to check out some new-car joints one night with my brother's car, and I wound up at an
Acura dealer that had a big sale going on.
In short, the next morning, after the credit check, I was officially the lessee of a new, shiny-silver 1995 Integra. I thought that, despite the high monthly payments compared to my miserly hourly wage at work, I would be paying for the peace of mind of a new-car warranty. Then, I called up insurance companies, something I should've done before signing the lease contract. Gorgeous, powerful, reliable... and darn expensive to insure, I adored that car.
Twelve years later, after a while behind the wheel of the
Civic Si, I can't help but to think that this might very well be the spiritual successor to the Acura Integra, which sadly was retired in 2001.
Good looksI don't care too much about the base Civic coupe, with its hubcaps and rather ordinary appearance. Dressed up in Si trim, however, I find it much more attractive.
Like my Integra in 1995, the rear spoiler and alloy wheels greatly change the look of the car. And the extra add-ons are subtle and non-excessive; you don't look like a tuner freak driving the Civic Si.
Curiously, fog lamps are absent. Okay, they're not an essential feature, of course, but one would expect to find them when buying a sporty car such as this one. You can always order them at the dealership, but according to Honda Canada's website, they cost--holy smokes--$677.
Great seatsThey don't offer much in the way of adjustment, but the front seats are nonetheless very comfortable, very supportive and covered with a very pleasing fabric. Space is a-plenty for front occupants, and two adults can even sit in back and tolerate themselves; invite a third person back there, and all three will be unhappy.
The Civic Si's cockpit, like in all Civics, has a high-quality atmosphere. The choice of materials is top-notch, and the tachometer is right in the middle of the instrument panel. The small wheel is a charm to manipulate, and the controls on the radio and heating and ventilation system are easy to operate while driving. The orange display for the radio is the only thing I don't like.
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The dashboard has almost everything right. |