2008 Honda Civic Coupe Si

More sporty looking and packing a lot more power, the 2008 Honda Civic Coupe Si features a lower ride height, a tweaked, sporty, fully independent front and rear double wishbone suspension, and larger 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season performance tires. 18-inch wheels are available. A larger rear spoiler and Si badging distinguish it from the other trims. Inside, it adds faux aluminum accents on the controls and shifter, complementing the existing leather trim.

Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter, DOHC inline four that breathes 197 hp and 139 ft-lbs of torque with a 6-speed manual transmission. No automatic is available, and the stronger engine means less fuel economy (21/29 mpg). The 2008 Civic Coupe Si also adds standard traction and stability control to the safety equipment, which already includes dual front-side and side curtain airbags, 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes, daytime running lights, front head restraints, and a tire monitor. The CD/MP3 player comes with an input jack, a memory-card slot, and a three-month trial of satellite radio. Full power features include remote entry. Wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, intermittent wipers, a tachometer and temperature display, a security system, and a voice-activated navigation system are all part of the package.

Options add an 8-CD changer, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, side sills, and a rear air dam. The 11.5-cubic-foot trunk, which is fairly spacious for a coupe, comes with tie-downs and can be outfitted with a net and organizer.