Of us, I simply obtained again from driving a few new Honda Civics, the facelifted 2025 variations of the Si and Hatchback Hybrid. They had been each sensible little vehicles in their very own methods, however I do know what would make them even higher: combining the 2. What I would like Honda to do is take a few actually nice vehicles and switch them right into a single wonderful one.
Each of those vehicles have a couple of components that the opposite one desperately wants, and due to that I’ve provide you with the right Civic in my thoughts: the Civic Si Hybrid Hatchback. It’s an excellent thought, and Honda, in case you’re studying this, please make it occur. I would be the first particular person to purchase it, I promise.
The Motor: Civic Hatchback Hybrid
OK, so the very first thing we do is take the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and dual-motor hybrid setup from the Hybrid Hatchback. This little unit makes 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, which is identical quantity of horsepower as the Civic Si’s turbocharged 1.5-liter motor however with a 40 lb-ft benefit. As a result of it’s a hybrid, that torque can also be out there from 0 RPM. Which means the Hybrid is definitely a bit sooner than the Si regardless of its 300-pound weight drawback.
I additionally actually don’t suppose there’s any motive to maintain a hybrid motor out of a Civic Si. It’s not prefer it has a high-revving naturally aspirated motor anymore. Nothing could be misplaced by including the extra highly effective motor to the Si. One other enormous good thing about this transfer could be drastically improved gas financial system — not that the Si’s is dangerous by any means, however the Civic Hybrid will get 50 mpg metropolis. That’s nothing to sneeze at.
The Transmission: Civic Si
No Honda Civic Si could be full with out a slick handbook transmission, and that’s no completely different in my dream state of affairs. Positive, Honda’s hybrid system doesn’t actually have a transmission (it’s extra of a generator with some type of direct-drive techy nerd stuff), so some engineering should be completed to bolt a handbook transmission to the again of the powertrain, but when anybody can do it, Honda engineers can. In any case, handbook hybrids are nothing new for Honda. The unique Perception, the CR-Z and older Civic Hybrids had been all out there with handbook transmissions, and my Civic Si Hybrid will likely be no completely different.
I suppose you could possibly hold the automated possibility too. I do know that goes in opposition to the ethos of the Civic Si, however not everybody is ready to or needs to drive a handbook. I’m a realist.
The Suspension and Dealing with: Civic Si
Sure, the Civic Hybrid Hatchback’s suspension and dealing with are actually good for a hybrid, nevertheless it’s lacking that planted, linked and sporty really feel you get with the Si. Due to that, I’m throwing the Civic Si’s suspension and dealing with into this concoction. The Civic Si has all the time been about getting round corners in a very satisfying means, and my creation will likely be no completely different.
The Physique: Civic Hatchback
It ought to be unlawful that Honda solely gives the Civic Si as a sedan when it has a wonderfully good hatchback physique simply mendacity round. Not solely would this be higher for aesthetic causes, as a result of hatchbacks are higher than sedans, however it will simply be extra sensible, and that’s what the Si is about. Consider how way more baggage you could possibly match within the hatch and the way cozy your buddies within the again seat could be.
This can be a no-brainer to me, and Honda type of thinks so too. Simply take a look at the Acura Integra A-Spec. That automobile is just about a reskinned Civic Si, and it’s a hatchback! Give the individuals what they need, Honda.
Inside: Each
They’re the identical. I suppose we’ll take the Si’s bucket seats, however that’s about it. There’s no actual distinction and the Hybrid Hatch’s seats are additionally tremendous cozy.
Okay, Honda, you realize what to do. I count on to see the Civic Si Hatch on showroom flooring inside the subsequent yr and I’m demanding a slight royalty on each single one bought. No, I don’t care that this concoction might take away from Civic Kind R gross sales. That isn’t my drawback. The individuals yearn for hybrid scorching hatches, and Honda is in the very best place to make them a actuality.
I simply know Honda could make this occur if Mike Pence has the braveness.
