Our test car was a Canadian-market Si G Coupe, identical to the American-market EX Coupe except for the addition of a who-needs-it-anyway rear spoiler. The 1.7 liter VTEC engine is upgraded to 127 hp from 115 hp in the base Civic, while torque is boosted to 114 lbs. ft. Both require high revs to achieve. A slick 5-speed manual transmission is standard, as are ABS brakes. Power doors, windows, mirrors, sunroof, standard. Base price: $16,860. Warranty: 3 years, 36,000 mi., bumper-to-bumper.
First Glance
I am not this car's target market. At my age, I'm not anyone's target market. But I really don't care because put me in a sporty coupe and the years fade faster than the Mounties can zap me with their laser guns. Which, luckily, didn't happen during my time with this blazing red, bespoilered, very conspicuous Civic. The EX Coupe is clearly aimed at those young tigers who'd like to run with the sport import crowd but whose everyday needs include a roomy back seat and a trunk not occupied by a 1000-watt boombox. Some may even be moms or dads with children to chauffeur to the local Montessori school. They'll enjoy all those wonderful Civic attributes that have made the marque so successful, such as quality, dependability, economy, high resale value. They'll also more pay for the dubious privilege of having two less doors, with the usual awkward rear seat entry and exit. Nevertheless there's something about a coupe that stirs our emotions (see initial comments), and there's also something special about a small car that begs to be revved and is eager to be tossed into the next curve.In the Driver's Seat
There's a familiarity with a Civic that even folks who've never sat inside one soon feel. It comes from superb ergonomic design, which places everything where it belongs and provides clear sightlines in all directions. The front bucket seats are snug but can be manually adjusted every which way, including up. The steering wheel adjusts for height. In no time at all you'll feel at ease in this car and that's an important part of its charm. It would be hard to imagine a simpler layout, with even the air controls placed vertically so that a driver can operate them without taking his eyes off the road. One might argue that the interior is a bit drab, being all-black with just a touch of faux-aluminum trim, and yes, that's a valid complaint. One could beef about minimal storage; my digital camera would not fit the console storage area (under the armrest) or the glove compartment (without removing the driver's manual). But a leather-covered steering wheel and leather-covered gear knob help compensate. I'm a sunroof enthusiast if it can be opened without causing the interior to buffet like a C-172 heading into a stall, and am happy to report the Civic Coupe succeeds, even with both windows open.On the Road
No one should be under the illusion that the Civic Coupe is a sports car. It is, like most coupes, a sedan with two fewer doors: the price you pay for upgrading your image. Yet all Civics, dating back to the mid-80's, have handled well and been fun to drive. Our test car was no different. The 5-speed manual transmission, for example; one of the world's best, supercars excepted. With right elbow on the armrest, you'll snick-snick-snick through those gears quicker than a silver spoon through tapioca. A very nice clutch take-up adds to the ease of operation and clean heel-and-toe downshifts are possible. In corners the Civic Coupe EX sets an angle of lean, then holds it, offering just enough handling security to keep the average driver in check. ABS brakes, in spite of using drums on the rear wheels, exhibited impressive ability in a simulated panic stop. With a 7000 redline it's tempting to go for the limit in each gear but that's not really necessary; acceleration is suprisingly linear for an engine that posts high rpm's as the price of performance.Journey's End
Honda Civic Coupe Instruments
© Philip Powell
