<P> The Honda Civic Si is a sport compact trim of Civic by Honda . The Si (Sport Injected) trim was introduced for the third generation of Honda Civics in both Japan and North America . In Canada and elsewhere the trim became known as the SiR for the sixth and seventh generations, and the Si trim was equivalent to the USDM EX model . </P> <P> For the Japanese and European markets, the Civic Type R was adopted as the high - performance variant of the Civic, starting with the EK9 hatch for Japan in 1996 and then with the EP3 hatch for Europe in 2001 . In North America the Type R name was never used until the 2017 model year with the launch of the Honda Civic Type R. Previous to this the Si label was the highest in North America (except for Acura vehicles). The Civic Si contrasts with the more track - oriented and spartan Type R, which has less sound deadening and amenities in return for better performance . The Civic Si has been positioned as more of a full - featured sport trim, featuring luxury options such as a sunroof and a seven speaker audio system . </P> <P> Honda first adopted the Si badge for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) third - generation Civic in November 1984 . Mainly offered in hatchback form, the main aesthetic difference for the Si was a slight bulge in the hood, which accommodated the taller DOHC engine . A four - door sedan variant also existed in Japan, but was only produced in small numbers and is rare . Designated as ZC1 in Japan and D16A1 in Europe, the new engine put out 118 hp (88 kW), enabling the car to hit 122 mph (196 km / h) and go from 0--60 mph in 8.9 seconds . Since compact cars at the time typically made less than 100 hp (75 kW), the Si proved popular amongst enthusiasts . In 1986, the Si trim was extended to the Civic hatchback, offering the same powertrain of the CRX Si but with four - seats . Added improvements for the Civic Si hatchback included a removable glass sunroof, a five - speed manual gearbox, tilt steering wheel, a full - width taillight panel, a color - keyed front airdam, sedan - style disk wheel covers, and a roof spoiler . Like the CRX Si, the Si hatchback was powered by a 91 hp (68 kW), 12 - valve SOHC engine designated EW4 / D15A4 (the latter code was used for the 1987 model year but with the same specs). The Civic Si also saw a release in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, sharing specifications similar to those of the American - market Si . </P> <P> Initially, the Civic Si hatchback was absent from the lineup, with only the CRX Si offered for the 1988 model year . That changed, however, for 1989, and the Civic Si hatchback was reintroduced, along with a 3 - hp upgrade for the D16 engine across all Si trims (making 108 hp, 1988 CR - X Si 105 hp). This was the sportiest US market Civic, only available as a hatchback . The engine fitted was the D16A6 16 - valve SOHC with 4 - point injection and output of 108 hp (81 kW). It weighed in at 2,286 lb (1,037 kg), achieving a factory 0--60 mph of 8.1 seconds; and a quarter - mile time of 16.2 seconds at 82 mph (132 km / h). </P>

When was the first honda civic si made