Perspective on the Civic Si 1.5T engine choice

Is it disappointing that Honda chose the 1.5L engine instead of the 2.0L? Personally for us, the answer is no, but I understand why many of you are upset. I think to get the full take on this situation, you have to really have to consider where the Si model sits in relation to the Type R. Let me explain this a little more from our point of view:

Even though we all love the idea of an inexpensive 2.0L turbo engine that you could tune to a bonkers amount of power, it is just overkill in stock form for the goals of the Si model. If you want a crazy amount of power for your FWD Civic, the Type R will be the car to get. Make no mistake though, compared to previous generous, this Si is definitely going to be a step forward, and with an intake, exhaust, and a tune, I imagine the car will output 260 hp or so at the flywheel. The engine technology Honda is using in these new engines is much much more advanced than previous generations...so you can't be disappointed by the car just due to the engine size alone. For example, the new 1.5L 4 cylinder turbo engine is more capable than the 3.0L V6 200 hp engine from a 1998 to 2002 Honda Accord. I know that is looking a ways back into the past, but it just goes to show how the perception of what a certain engine size can do needs to adjust a lot over time due to technology advances.

If you were to get in the new Si without knowing what size engine was in there you would probably not know it was a 1.5L. Our 174 hp 1.5T manual transmission sedan feels like the previous 2.4L Si to me (we'll have a video review and some tests in the coming weeks). In terms of modification potential, the Si's 1.5L will probably be easily capable of 280 hp while the Type R could be capable of almost 400 hp, assuming both have full bolts-ons and a tune. These are both extremely strong and well built engines that pack a huge punch for their size. V6s and large displacement motors are not where engine technology is progressing, at least with Honda and other forward looking OEMs.

Plus, with the decision to use the 1.5T motor, now you have the lower curb weight, cheaper price, better fuel economy, etc. while still being fast and engaging to drive. I believe this all fits squarely in line with what the Si model is suppose to be in this lineup of Civics. The bottom line it is going to be the most fun to drive Si built to date when compared with all previous stock models. With the high torque #s this is going to feel pretty fast and probably be a lot of fun around a track or AutoX course and with great reliability. If you want a 300+ hp crazy beast of a FWD car, you should be looking at the Type R.

In any case, we'll be getting an Si and having a ton of fun with it. I hope others in the market for this type of car will at least test drive it before making their final decision.