Honda hopes to get back on its small-car horse with an all-new 2006 Civic launching in 2005. The Civic platform will incorporate innovative packaging and seating from the successful Jazz/Fit supermini sold in Japan and Europe. But American Honda is said to be worried that the new car won't resonate with U.S. Civic customers. The American arm hopes to regain some of its loyal Civic customers with the return of the rakish Si coupe for 2006 to replace the current Si hatchback, the first Civic ever to go straight to dealer incentives. The 2006 Si will need at least the 200 horsepower of the 2004 Acura {{{RSX}}}'s 2.0-liter VTEC four (bumped up to 210 horses for 2005) just to stay in the hunt.
What the 2006 Honda Civic Si must beat:
VW Golf GTI, 200 horsepower Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Saturn Ion Redline.