C O V E R     S T O R Y

Japanese sedans used to be simple: three sizes with three different strengths: mild (1.3), regular (1.6), and extra strength (2.0).  You could only get the stronger flavor if you ordered the bigger cup.  German brew was much more interesting; they were not averse to serving heady 40-proof in a shot glass.  (Think C43 AMG.)

Now liberated from cumbersome tax laws, the Japanese are picking up the game.  Latest case in point-the Civic 2.0 i-VTEC.  Frankly, we couldn't wait for this new concoction to come along.  Previously, word had spread that Honda was going to bring in the 160-bhp Si or even the 212-bhp Type R.  We nearly prayed for the hottest hatch to make its way here. 

The truth was unveiled last month at the appropriately chosen SIR-Subic International Raceway.  We caught a glimpse of a sedan as it was driven away from our prying lenses.  No Type R, then.

Honda Japan's R&D chief for the Civic, Sato-san, was on hand to explain the development of their latest hot sedan.  Words like refined, comfortable, and sophisticated were tossed about.   Good qualities, yes, but not the first things that come to mind when the SiR is mentioned.  Perhaps least encouraging of all was that they fed us a hearty lunch before releasing us onto the racetrack.

Then we saw them on the SIR's back stretch: four Civic sedans, attractively facelifted.  The front has wider headlamps, slanted trapezoids pointing towards the widened grille.  Just as well, too, as the googly-eyed look is starting to wear thin already.  Triangular foglamps adorn the reshaped bumper. The new face is reminiscent of the previous-generation Accord’s—a safe but handsome design, quite friendly and sure to withstand the test of the time.    On the back end, the familiar Civic round lamps within curved lenses, with an all-white lower strip.  Plus the most straightforward badge of any recent car: 2.0 i-VTEC.  The five-spoke alloys look just right for the clean profile, but we wish they had opted for 16-inchers instead.

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