People, I simply received 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 a superb concept, and Honda, should you’re studying this, please make it occur. I would be the first individual 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 be accessible from 0 RPM. Meaning the Hybrid is definitely a bit quicker than the Si regardless of its 300-pound weight drawback.
I additionally actually don’t assume 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 advantage of this transfer could be enormously improved gasoline economic system — not that the Si’s is unhealthy 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 totally different in my dream situation. Certain, Honda’s hybrid system doesn’t actually have a transmission (it’s extra of a generator with some kind of direct-drive techy nerd stuff), so some engineering must be achieved to bolt a handbook transmission to the again of the powertrain, but when anybody can do it, Honda engineers can. In spite of everything, handbook hybrids are nothing new for Honda. The unique Perception, the CR-Z and older Civic Hybrids had been all accessible with handbook transmissions, and my Civic Si Hybrid can be no totally different.
I suppose you may hold the automated possibility too. I do know that goes towards 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, however it’s lacking that planted, related 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 at all times been about getting round corners in a very satisfying approach, and my creation can be no totally different.
The Physique: Civic Hatchback
It ought to be unlawful that Honda solely presents the Civic Si as a sedan when it has a superbly 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 could simply be extra sensible, and that’s what the Si is about. Consider how rather more baggage you may 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 kind 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 assume 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, what to do. I anticipate to see the Civic Si Hatch on showroom flooring throughout 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 Sort R gross sales. That isn’t my downside. The individuals yearn for hybrid sizzling hatches, and Honda is in the most effective place to make them a actuality.
I simply know Honda could make this occur if Mike Pence has the braveness.
