One more advancement included in the Civic is Electric Power Steering (EPS).  This eliminates the belt-driven pump common to hydraulic power steering systems, in favor of an electric motor.  The system improves fuel efficiency, as power assist is given only when needed, and has the added benefit of variable levels of assist.  The Civic’s EPS doesn’t go video-game light at low speeds, unlike the City’s.  Instead, there’s a normal level of assist in the parking lot, and an assuring weighty feel when speed’s into the triple digits.

Honda will always have its top Civic compared to the groundbreaking SiR, and nothing short of a full-blown Type R will ever suffice. This version’s sportiness is already at volume 9, and volume 10 is just a tantalizing notch away.  Still, the 2.0 i-VTEC is the SiR’s successor, not its replacement.  It will beat the SiR by any measure of performance or comfort.  It gives up the visceral thrill of the old 7500-rpm DOHC VTEC for something much more refined, and is much more satisfying in everyday traffic. Growing up can be painful, but the Civic has done it just right.

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