Starting at $25,990 the all new 2.4-litre, 16-valve, DOHC, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder red lines at 7000rpm while producing a very respectable 201hp. But the biggest surprise? The innovative engine generates a phenomenal 170 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm – a 22% increase over the old model!

Nudge the 6-speed manual transmission through the short gates and be prepared for truly spirited performance as the harnessed raw power is efficiently transferred to P215/45R17 tires. If you’ve driven an Si before, good for you. This is different. Feel empowered as the vehicle quickly accelerates from a standing stop and listen to the delightful sound of the engine as its controlled power is unleashed.

This vehicle will bring a smile to drivers, passengers and onlookers alike. Handling is very comfortable and sure-footed. In Washington we got to blow the doors off the car on an autocross course at FedEx Field, home of the NFL Washington Redskins.

To date Honda Canada has sold more than 1.3 million Civics. The engineers at Honda have definitely been up to the challenge to change things, making something old seem quite new. We can probably see Honda claiming its position as the manufacturer of the number one selling passenger car in Canada for an astounding 14 straight years by year end.

All in all, a worthy addition to the Honda line up; perhaps exterior styling is not as ‘drastic’ as some might want, but overall, it definitely delivers.

You will not be disappointed.