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We auto journalists are privileged enough to test drive a new car every week, many of them fully equipped models. Of course, you know how I love sports cars, so I was very excited at the prospect of spending a week with the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP. On the other hand, now that I'm getting a bit older and have driven all these luxurious vehicles, I've come to appreciate the value of comfort.
There you have it, the classic conundrum: sporty handling vs. a smooth ride.
What is the Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP?
Take the standard Civic Coupe, increase the displacement, add several high-tech features, and you get the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si.
Wait, there's more. With the Honda Factory Performance (HFP) kit, you also get 18” alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, an HFP suspension, a body kit, and specific badges.
2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP Price and Specs
The 2.4L, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is rated at 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The only configuration available is front-wheel drive with a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission.
Officially, fuel consumption amounts to 10.0L/100km in the city and 6.4L/100km on the highway. I recorded 8.3L/100km in mostly highway driving -- as much as the V6-powered Honda Accord Sedan I tested a while back.
The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP retails for $28,890. If you're looking for a more affordable version, the regular Civic Coupe starts at $18,645.
Driving the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
There's no denying that the various performance parts make a difference in terms of driving dynamics. Heck, I even considered bringing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP to my local track!
You can feel the 201 horsepower at work, but acceleration is not quite as forceful as I expected. Unlike some 6-speed units whose final gear ratio aims to improve fuel economy on the highway, the manual in the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is responsive and dynamic in all six gears. At 60 km/h, with the box in third gear, the engine almost reaches 4,000 rpm -- great for power delivery, not so much for your gas bill.
While supportive, the seats are firm, and so is the suspension. What's more, the cabin is pretty noisy at speed. Of course, you don't buy a car like the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP for its quiet demeanour.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
The sporty, aerodynamic silhouette of the two-door 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is arguably designed to appeal to young driving enthusiasts -- even more so when you factor in the rear decklid spoiler, 18” wheels, and body kit: this is the sort of look you either love or hate.
Inside, I liked the driver-oriented centre stack, as well as the sharply raked windshield that makes the cockpit feel roomier because it stretches the top of the dashboard.
Closest to the driver is the multifunction steering wheel, and behind it is the tachometer where about another foot away sits the digital speedometer, not to mention the i-VTEC indicator that lights up when you hit the right rev range. The problem is that I had to break from my ideal driving position to see the second row of data.
There's an intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) to the right of the speedometer, and another display in the middle of the centre stack for navigation and infotainment purposes. The small audio buttons frustrated me and I wished for a more user-friendly interface. On a related note, Bluetooth disappointed me yet again: I had to repeat half the words I spoke on the phone, and the device could not understand any of my voice commands.
On the flip side, the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP proves surprisingly spacious for all occupants, although the car's sporty design hinders cargo capacity.
Comparing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
If you want a more refined sports car with rear-wheel drive, consider the Scion FR-S. A curvier, more powerful alternative is the Ford Focus ST, while the Volkswagen GTI is more versatile and comfortable for everyday life, but also more expensive.
The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP has the edge when it comes to content, reputation, and reliability, so it's a great deal when you buy, and when and if you decide to sell.
There you have it, the classic conundrum: sporty handling vs. a smooth ride.
 |
What is the Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP?
Take the standard Civic Coupe, increase the displacement, add several high-tech features, and you get the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si.
Wait, there's more. With the Honda Factory Performance (HFP) kit, you also get 18” alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, an HFP suspension, a body kit, and specific badges.
 |
| Take the standard Civic Coupe, increase the displacement, add several high-tech features, and you get the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP Price and Specs
The 2.4L, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is rated at 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. The only configuration available is front-wheel drive with a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission.
Officially, fuel consumption amounts to 10.0L/100km in the city and 6.4L/100km on the highway. I recorded 8.3L/100km in mostly highway driving -- as much as the V6-powered Honda Accord Sedan I tested a while back.
The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP retails for $28,890. If you're looking for a more affordable version, the regular Civic Coupe starts at $18,645.
 |
| The 2.4L, 4-cylinder, i-VTEC engine of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is rated at 201 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Driving the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
There's no denying that the various performance parts make a difference in terms of driving dynamics. Heck, I even considered bringing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP to my local track!
You can feel the 201 horsepower at work, but acceleration is not quite as forceful as I expected. Unlike some 6-speed units whose final gear ratio aims to improve fuel economy on the highway, the manual in the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is responsive and dynamic in all six gears. At 60 km/h, with the box in third gear, the engine almost reaches 4,000 rpm -- great for power delivery, not so much for your gas bill.
While supportive, the seats are firm, and so is the suspension. What's more, the cabin is pretty noisy at speed. Of course, you don't buy a car like the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP for its quiet demeanour.
 |
| You can feel the 201 horsepower at work, but acceleration is not quite as forceful as I expected. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Inside and Out of the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
The sporty, aerodynamic silhouette of the two-door 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP is arguably designed to appeal to young driving enthusiasts -- even more so when you factor in the rear decklid spoiler, 18” wheels, and body kit: this is the sort of look you either love or hate.
Inside, I liked the driver-oriented centre stack, as well as the sharply raked windshield that makes the cockpit feel roomier because it stretches the top of the dashboard.
Closest to the driver is the multifunction steering wheel, and behind it is the tachometer where about another foot away sits the digital speedometer, not to mention the i-VTEC indicator that lights up when you hit the right rev range. The problem is that I had to break from my ideal driving position to see the second row of data.
There's an intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) to the right of the speedometer, and another display in the middle of the centre stack for navigation and infotainment purposes. The small audio buttons frustrated me and I wished for a more user-friendly interface. On a related note, Bluetooth disappointed me yet again: I had to repeat half the words I spoke on the phone, and the device could not understand any of my voice commands.
On the flip side, the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP proves surprisingly spacious for all occupants, although the car's sporty design hinders cargo capacity.
 |
| Inside, I liked the driver-oriented centre stack, as well as the sharply raked windshield that makes the cockpit feel roomier because it stretches the top of the dashboard. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Comparing the 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP
If you want a more refined sports car with rear-wheel drive, consider the Scion FR-S. A curvier, more powerful alternative is the Ford Focus ST, while the Volkswagen GTI is more versatile and comfortable for everyday life, but also more expensive.
The 2013 Honda Civic Coupe Si HFP has the edge when it comes to content, reputation, and reliability, so it's a great deal when you buy, and when and if you decide to sell.