10:03 AM
Widely considered the prototypical modern sport compact car, the newly-updated 2009 Honda Civic Si Coupe, available also as a sedan, epitomizes 4-cylinder performance in an era when fuel prices have made large-displacement performance vehicles less practical. The Honda Civic Si Coupe upshifts into 2009 with revised styling and new features that include standard integrated fog lamps, USB Audio Interface, and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® on models equipped with the available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Activation.
"As the high-performance derivative of one of our cornerstone models, the Honda Civic Si Coupe is truly the hot rod of the Honda line-up," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "It's a recipe that calls for lightweight agility and high-output 4-cylinder power in an efficient overall package that we've made even more compelling for 2009."
The Honda Civic Si Coupe serves as the performance halo for the Civic nameplate placing a premium on fun-to-drive character with a high-revving, 197-horsepower, 8000 rpm redline, 2.0 liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine; 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission; and a helical-type, limited-slip differential for enhanced traction in high-performance driving situations.
The Honda Civic Si Coupe enhances the performance potential of the Civic architecture. Exclusive sport suspension highlights consist of firm spring, damper and stabilizer bar tuning along with exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance P215/45 R17 87V tires. Exterior appointments include a rear deck lid spoiler (low profile on sedan) and front and rear Si emblems.
The interior design provides a performance-driving environment with Si-exclusive firmly-bolstered synthetic suede seats with red stitching, red backlit gauges, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
The interior's two-tier instrument panel conveys a futuristic design with quick-reference meter positioning and includes a rev-limit indicator light. A leather-wrapped tilt and telescopic steering wheel column is standard, along with a leather-wrapped aluminum shift knob. The 7-speaker, 350-watt premium audio system features a subwoofer, Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), MP3/WMA playback capability, auxiliary audio input jack, USB Audio Interface and XM® Satellite Radio for navigation-equipped models. The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA or AAC music files.
Additional features include a 60/40 split folding rear seat, one-touch power moonroof, red ambient console lighting, keyless entry with security system, power windows, power locks, a dual trip meter odometer and a Maintenance Minder™ indicator. The voice-activated Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is available and includes Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, a wireless telephone interface that works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.
Every 2009 Civic integrates a wide array of standard safety technologies starting with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver's and front passenger's side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver's and front passenger's airbags (SRS).
Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard active safety features include an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with automatic-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment.
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) provides launch, oversteer and acceleration-understeer control by modulating engine power and/or applying brake pressure independently to each wheel. VSA can be manually deactivated if conditions warrant it.
