The much-anticipated 2017 Honda Civic Si has arrived, featuring a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 205 horsepower. This power output, while identical to that of the previous Civic Si, has been criticized for being lower than that of many competitors. Honda is now clarifying its decision regarding the engine’s performance levels.
In a recent interview with Automotive News, senior Civic product planner Rob Keough explained the rationale behind the Si’s horsepower, stating, “While you can tune for more power, doing so can compromise engine durability.”
Keough further elaborated, “Honda is committed to building engines that can withstand hundreds of thousands of miles, which guides their engineering goals.”
In addition to maintaining Honda’s legacy of reliability, the target of 205 hp was also set to keep the sports compact affordable. “Our aim was to position the Si at a price that is accessible while still delivering an impressive performance level,” Keough remarked. He noted that using a detuned version of the Civic Type R’s 2.0-liter engine would have increased the Si’s price to around $30,000, a figure that Keough described as “too steep for Honda,” and likely beyond the budget of the Si’s intended buyers.
Nevertheless, Keough indicated that there could be potential for a new Civic model between the Si and Type R if there is sufficient market interest.
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