Smart lawyers manage files within a budget. The same is true for smart car buyers. Know what you can afford. Don’t end up car poor.
But a budget doesn’t mean you can’t own a car you love. Take for example the 2012 Honda Civic Si, recently loaned to me by Honda Canada. For just over $25,000, it’s a car that offers lots of payback.
I drove the sedan (a coupe is also available). There was a lot of space inside, supportive seats, a chunky steering wheel, and a slick-shifting 6-speed. Also inside is an (I hate the term, but here it is) “infotainment” system that is worthy of mention. I didn’t break it, or require my engineer brother to explain how it worked. Instead, I was info-tained. With the exception of sub-luxury plastic surfaces, the interior is better than the cost of the car would suggest.
Styling for this generation of Civic has drawn muted praise. But, the Si version of the car is a good looking sport-compact, with 17-inch wheels and a modest spoiler on the back. The car looks muscular, without overstating its case.
Performance comes from a 201-horsepower, 170 lb./ft torque, 4 cylinder engine. While good, those numbers don’t really capture how well suited this engine is for spirited city and highway driving. Even with strong performance, it’s still a fuel efficient Civic at heart. I barely saw the fuel needle twitch during a week of driving.
Bottom line, I really enjoyed this car. Some critics have complained about the current iteration of Civic, but the Si clicked with me. And evidently, the Civic is a car that clicks with Canadians. Assembled in Ontario, it continues to be the top selling car to we Northern people.
Maple syrup, beavers and Honda Civics.
Paul Rand is a Toronto-based in-house capital markets lawyer who loves cars. At the time of publication, he has no demerit points on his licence.
Image: Honda Canada media room