Photo 12 -- Exterior Front

Wow, the 2006 Honda Civic Si is really nailed down. Its power band feels flatter than the Acura RSX Type S, with more torque coming on earlier in the game, and the blinking rev-limiter light is a nice touch. The helical limited-slip differential effectively scrubs understeer in tight hairpins, and the summer performance tires stick to the road like Rove on Bush. The six-speed gearbox is tighter and more pleasurable to use than the EX Coupe’s five-speed unit, and the pedals are set up for easy heel-and-toe action. Steering feels better too, quicker and with added heft off-center, though the electric drive-by-wire nature of the system produces little actual road feel. In terms of braking, the Civic Si feels like it can stop on a dime, and the suspension provides a taut ride, producing excellent communication with the road.