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- Honda Civic SIR
This compact and budget sports Hatchback, the Honda Civic SIR, with its racing interior and sleek exterior, has a reputation for super handling, comfort plus a solid chassis and body.
SIRs were and still remain great quality and bargain vehicles. Good models continue to be snapped up on the second hand market when they become available. The Civic SIR has often been compared very favourably alongside the popular Mini Cooper S and VW Golf GTI 1.8T.
Remember, the Honda Civic SIRs are smaller than similar Hot Hatches with two doors. The later Honda Civic SIR hatchbacks were often described as heavier and slower. But the SIR, which was also notable as the first English built Civic to be sold in Canada, had more power and acceleration than the standard Si.
Honda unleashed the Civic SIR in 1989 as part of its fourth generation of Civics. The 1989 model immediately received acclaim including the Golden Steering Wheel Award in German newspaper Bild. In fact, reviewers were generally astounded by its performance, which offered a high end B16A DOHC VTEC engine and included state-of-the-art variable valve timing technology.
The beauty of the i-VTEC system is that it continuously adjusts valve lift and timing to develop optimum performance. This high powered DOHC VTEC engine took high and low speed performance into new improved territory. This impressive engine quality and a decent sized 1600cc capacity gave this small car unbeatable power and handling for the price.
Honda Civic SIR has developed a reputation for a good solid body and adept suspension plus responsive steering and handling. Its also popular for the quality of its interior and its styling. Review Centre currently has 28 reviews from owners who are delighted with this car. The SIR boasts an amazing 100 per cent recommended rating.
Despite the acclaim many reviewers mention a lack of torque in some situations as a niggling concern but acceleration, power, comfort and looks appear to more than make up for it.
The 2002 Honda Civic SiR is one of the better models in terms of build quality and performance
As well as that impressive B16A series engine the SIR comes with all round double wishbone suspension, disc brakes and stabilizer bars. But remember the SIR is not a complete luxury model. The many interior features and mechanics are from the standard Civic. However, you do get sport seats with added support, leather steering wheel and gear stick, electric sunroof and windows. Exterior include side sills, chrome exhaust and alloy wheels.
Honda along with Toyota has a reputation for producing vehicles which age particularly well. Consumer Reports Small Car Survey 2005 rated the Honda Civic the second most reliable model on the market behind the Toyota Echo. This reliability combined with the performance of the SIR makes them a very attractive proposition as a second hand buy. Remember to look for signs of over modification.
