Originally created as the range-topping performance model of the Honda Civic, but superseded by the Type R in the mid-1990s, the Civic Si is about to get a major update and adopt the redesigned exterior and drivetrain of the tenth-generation model. Set to hit the market in 2017 in both coupe and sedan body styles, the new Civic Si made its debut in prototype form at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Described as a vehicle that closely previews the production model, the prototype wears a full Factory Performance aero kit, including front and rear splitters, rear spoiler, a center-mounted polygonal exhaust finisher, and 19-inch, 10-spoke forged aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires. Shown in coupe form only, the Civic Si displayed at the American car show is finished in a sporty looking Rallye Red Pearl.

The interior of the Si also bridges the gap between the standard model and the Type R. The show car features Si-exclusive front sport seats with red stitching and logos. The red stitching carries through to the door panels, steering wheel, and leather shift boot with aluminum shift knob. The cabin also features a red driver’s TFT meter and audio system illumination, aluminum sport pedals, and Dry Metal Carbon instrument panel trim

So far so good, but what about the drivetrain? Honda says that the Si gets its juice from a higher performance version of the new 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine equipped with dual variable cam timing, but doesn't say a word about. But, given that the standard unit cranks out 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet, the Si could have close to 200 horses. The turbocharged engine mates to a six-speed manual transmission for a more exhilarating experience, while a new active damper system, active steering system, and limited-slip differential enhance the car's racing skills.

Both the Civic Si Coupe and Si Sedan will launch next year. A specific table is not yet available, but it should arrive before the track-ready Civic Type-R.

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Why it matters

The fact that it's not the most powerful and aggressive looking car from the Civic lineup is what makes the Si such an appealing car. While the Type R provides more thrills at the race track, its aggressive tuning doesn't make it the best car to drive on public roads. The Si, on the other hand, is both a reliable daily driver and a performance-oriented Civic that gets the job done when pushed harder on the highway or even a race track. The fact that it's not as expensive as the Type R and that it comes in both coupe and sedan forms makes it that much more appealing to a larger crowd.

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