USDM (United States and Canada)
Coupe: Trim levels available in North America for the coupe body style were the VP, DX (up to 2003), HX, LX (EM2), EX, LX Special Edition or EX Special Edition, Si and RAJ. The coupe, no longer available in Japan, was still sold in Europe.
Sedan: Trim levels available in the sedan body style were the DX (ES1), VP (ES2), LX (ES1), EX (EN2), LX Special Edition (ES1), EX Special Edition (ES2), GX, and Hybrid (ES9). EX trim includes sunroof. The LX, EX & RAJ Special Edition included a six-disc changer, rear spoiler, ABS, larger 15-inch wheels and a more powerful engine (see below). There was also the EX Special Edition which added a sunroof and rear single cup holder. The Hybrid was the only trim available for the sedan style in Europe.
In Canada, until 2003, there were DX and LX trims for both sedan and coupe, with the coupe additionally having the Si trim, largely equivalent to the US market EX coupe.
In 2002, Honda Canada, in recognition of the one millionth sale of the Civic in Canada, introduced a limited edition version of the Civic called the Civic Coupe Si Veloz ("Veloz" - Spanish word, meaning "fast"). The Veloz edition adds a front, rear and side skirts, rear spoiler, carbon fibre trim pieces, chrome exhaust tip, custom Veloz embroidered floor mats and Veloz badges. [4]
In 2003, a 30th Anniversary Edition was added to all models, as well as a Sport model for sedans. In 2004, the DX trim was replaced by a Special Edition (SE) model and the previous Sport model was replaced by a LX-G trim.
Si / SiR
The US (Si) was badged SiR in Canada. Unlike other generations of the Civic Si, this one was not produced in Canada or the United States, and it does not share a body style or interior with the USDM Civic (offered only in sedan and coupé forms) sold there. Instead, the 2002-05 Civic Si/SiR is manufactured in Swindon, England, and exported to Canada and the United States. The Si/SiR was the only trim available for the hatchback style in Canada and the United States. [5] [6] [7]
The Civic Si returned to form as a hatchback, after having been sold only as a coupé in the previous generation. The body shape of this model was based on the "New Bullet-Form" concept, which aimed to create a more dynamic look and provide greater stability while travelling on highways or winding country roads. The interior layout also distinguished itself from other Civic Si generations with a dash-mounted shifter.
Shifting away from the 1.6 liter D-series engine, the seventh-generation Civic Si adopted the K-series K20A3 engine used in the Acura RSX base model rated at 160 bhp (120 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 132 lbf⋅ft (179 N⋅m) at 5,000 rpm. [8] With a redline of 6,800 rpm, the Si distanced itself from the narrow, high-rpm powerband engine of its predecessor, and as a result saw a 20 percent increase in torque. Performance was relatively underwhelming compared to the competition; the switch to MacPherson strut from double-wishbone suspension resulted in less responsive handling, and a near-150 lb (68 kg) increase in weight to 2,744 lb (1,245 kg) contributed to slower acceleration than the lighter '99-'00 Si. [9] The new front suspension did allow for a tighter turning radius than the better handling wishbone setup used earlier. Much of the weight gain is attributed to the chassis' stouter structure when compared to the previous-generation hatchback, with the '02 Si boasting an increase in torsional rigidity by 95 percent and a bending rigidity increase of 22 percent. [10]
The fifth-generation Civic Si saw roughly the same performance numbers as the previous-generation Si, with 7.6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.9 seconds at the quarter mile, which were comparable to that of Ford SVT Focus and Hyundai Tiburon GT V6. [11] Other factors adversely impacting performance included the lack of a limited-slip differential, having to shift into third gear to get from zero to 60, and increased curb weight due to a stiffer chassis. Other changes include a switch to electric power steering over hydraulic and coil on plug ignition.
Features of this generation Si include: Dash-mounted shifter, 15-inch (2002–03) or 16-inch wheels (2004–05), air conditioning, electronic power steering, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio, CD player, clock, cruise control, cloth bucket seats, 4 interior cup holders, center console and folding rear seats. [12]
The EP3's uniquely rare body style in the U.S., having been designed for the Japanese and European markets, has significantly more distinct lighting than most North American designs. While the 2002–03 models have red rear turn signals and combined high/low beam headlights, the 2004 and 2005 models have dual separate high and low beam headlights, individual parking lights in the headlight housings, amber turn signals, amber side fender turn signals, four individual side markers at all corners, and the ability to shut off all lights while driving.
The 2004–2005 models received minor revisions. [13] Cosmetic changes included revised headlight (dual bulb setup) and tail light designs, standard side skirts, and an option for a HFP (Honda Factory Performance) upgrade. The suspension was updated with a change from 4-lug to 5-lug bolt pattern, a larger rear sway bar, and a change from 15-inch wheels (195/60-15) to 16-inch wheels (205/55-16). The interior received more silver accents in place of the chrome ones (the lock switch). [14]
- 2003 Honda Civic Si Concept (2002)
For the 2002 SEMA show, Honda unveiled the 2003 Civic Si Concept, which showcased the aftermarket versatility of the Si.
Powertrain/chassis modifications included a GReddy T518Z turbocharger with an integral wastegate, a prototype GReddy front-mounted intercooler kit with aluminum piping, a GReddy Airinx high-flow intake system, a GReddy e-manage engine control manager, a GReddy Profec E-01 electronic boost controller (with e-manage programmer), widened track, Factory Performance sport suspension, a center mounted high-flow exhaust system and a four-piston Brembo brake system.
The exterior saw changes including a Rally-inspired body kit, a carbon fiber grill, front intake and rear bumper diffuser, a black chrome-finish headlights and smoked taillights, high-mounted two-stage rear wing. For the interior, Honda included Mugen carbon fiber and Kevlar race seats covered in red Alcantara suede with 6-point racing harness, a sport 3-spoke steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, Mugen high performance LCD screen gauge package and center mounted information display. [15]
