Honda has announced its plan to launch a new version of its popular Civic for the UK. The version is to be called the Civic Si. It is a five-door hatch back version of the Civic sedan. The Si gets many updates as opposed to the regular Civic. Previously, available only in the Japanese market, the Si has got a  sportier exterior body style that sets it apart. The press release by Honda says that the Civic Si is targeted primarily at the youth who wants cars to be small, trendy, yet cheap and economical.

Despite its aggressive looks, the Civic Si is a comfortable car with a lot of creature comforts like air conditioning, CD player with i-Pod connectivity, power steering, power windows, and so on. The Si comes with a wide variety of engine options.

The base version is a 1.4 litre i-Vtec petrol engine, which is available with either a five speed manual or the i-shift gearbox. It is an economical option that delivers more than 47 miles to a gallon of fuel and produces around 135 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The mid range, 1.8 litre four cylinder engine produces 155 grams CO2 per kilometer and returns a fuel economy of 42.2mpg. The pick of the lot is the 2.2 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine that employs common rail direct injection, boosted by an inter-cooler and a turbo charger. The engine returns about 53 miles to a gallon and produces just 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

The Si version is visually identical to the hot Type-R Civic. The Type-R Honda Civic packs a 2.0 litre engine delivering a potent 197 horse power, making it one of the hottest hatchbacks in the market. Honda is yet to launch the highly desirable Type R in the American market. The Si can be recognized by the distinctive front-mesh grille, the graphite colored wheels, dark chrome colored door handle and fuel lid. The interior has leather covered seats and a few other leather trims. The prices start at 15,800 pounds, running all the way to 18,350 for the diesel version.

Press Release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE

SPORTY Si INTRODUCED ON CIVIC 5-DOOR

A high-spec new variant of the Honda Civic 5-door goes on sale from September, giving the popular British-built hatchback even sportier looks.

The new Si grade will be available across the entire 5-door Civic range, in all engine variants and transmissions. The 1.4-litre Si model will wear Graphite coloured 16-inch alloy wheels while higher-powered 1.8 petrol and 2.2 diesel Si Civics will sit on 17-inch Graphite coloured alloy rims.

All Si variants will have colour-coded bumpers, front fog lights, a Type R-style mesh front grille and dark chrome door handles and fuel cap – like that on the Championship White Type R. Inside Si models will get half leather upholstery to continue the sports theme, plus a USB port for iPod connectivity.

The Si has been designed to appeal to the Civic’s increasingly youthful customer and those who want sporty looks with the practicality of a 5-door. And because the Si grade is available across the Civic 5-door range, those on a smaller budget can also enjoy the Si’s distinct looks.

The Civic Si 1.4-litre i-VTEC will go on sale later this year (date to be confirmed), followed by the Civic Si 1.8-litre i-VTEC and Civic Si 2.2-litre i-CTDi.

Three metallic exterior paint colours are available on the new grade: Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Deep Sapphire Blue Pearl, plus Milano Red as standard.

Pricing

Si grades are priced at £850 RRP over the SE grade

• Civic Si 1.4 i-VTEC Manual – £15,800 OTR

• Civic Si 1.4 i-VTEC i-SHIFT – £16,600 OTR

• Civic Si 1.8 i-VTEC Manual – £16,835 OTR

• Civic Si 1.8 i-VTEC Automatic – £18,160 OTR

• Civic Si 2.2 i-CTDi Manual – £18,305 OTR

The Civic Si 1.4-litre manual delivers good fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 135g/km. When paired with the i-SHIFT transmission it delivers improved fuel economy of 49.6mpg and reduced CO2 emissions of 132g/km.

Meanwhile, the Civic Si 1.8-litre manual has CO2 emissions of 155g/km and fuel economy of 42.2mpg. All 1.8-litre engine Civic 5 door models are available with a classic automatic ‘box that was introduced early this year, and in Si guise will deliver 169g/km and 38.7mpg respectively. The Civic Si 2.2-litre (manual) achieves CO2 emissions of 139g/km and fuel economy of 53.3mpg.