2002-2005 Honda Civic Si (EP3)

The EP3 Civic Si of the USA and EP3 Civic SiR of Canada was marketed as North American version of European EP3 Honda Civic Type R. Unlike other generations of the Civic Si, this Si was not produced in Canada or the United States, and it does not share a body style or interior with the USDM Civic (offered only in sedan and coupé forms) sold there. Instead, the 2002-05 Civic Si is manufactured in Swindon, England, and exported to Canada and the United States. The Si/SiR was the only trim available for the hatchback style in Canada and the United States.^[4][5][6]

Honda of Europe designed the EP3 Civic Type R hatchback to be marketed in Europe. Then Honda of Japan marketed the EP3 Civic Type R using the Honda Integra DC5 Japanese-spec K20A powertrain using electric steering rack. The Civic Si returned to form as a hatchback, after having been sold only as a coupé in the previous generation. The body shape of this model was based on the "New Bullet-Form" concept, which aimed to create a more dynamic look and provide greater stability while travelling on highways or winding country roads. The interior layout also distinguished itself from other Civic Si generations with a dash-mounted shifter. The EP3 Civic Si hatchback is also used for the second generation Civic Type R which was sold in Europe and Japan.

2002-2003 Honda Civic Si (US)

2004-2005 Honda Civic LX coupé (US)

2002–2003 Honda Civic Vi 5-door hatchback (Australia)

2000–2002 Honda Civic GLi sedan (Australia)

Shifting away from the B-series engine, the seventh generation Civic Si adopted the K-series K20A3 engine used in the Acura RSX base model rated at 160 bhp (120 kW) at 6500 rpm and 132 lbf·ft (179 N·m) at 5000 rpm.^[7] With a redline of 6,800 rpm, the Si distanced itself from the narrow, high-rpm powerband engine of its predecessor, and as a result saw a 20 percent increase in torque. Performance was relatively underwhelming compared to the competition; the switch to MacPherson struts from double-wishbone suspension resulted in less responsive handling, and a near-150 lb (68 kg) increase in weight to 2,744 lb (1,245 kg) contributed to slower acceleration than the lighter '99-'00 Si.^[8] Much of the weight gain is attributed to the chassis' stouter structure when compared to the previous generation hatchback, with the '02 Si boasting an increase in torsional rigidity by 95 percent and a bending rigidity increase of 22 percent.^[9]

With the increased chassis rigidity compensating for weight gain, the 5th-generation Civic Si saw roughly the same performance numbers as the previous generation Si, with 7.6 seconds to 60 mph and 15.9 seconds at the quarter mile, which were comparable to that of Ford SVT Focus and Hyundai Tiburon GT V6.^[10] Other factors adversely impacting performance included the lack of an LSD (limited slip differential) and having to shift into third gear to get to 60. First gear ends at about 30, second ends at 55, and third ends at 82 mph (132 km/h).^{[original research?]}

The 2004–05 models received minor revisions.^[11] Cosmetic changes included revised headlight (dual bulb setup) and taillight designs, standard side skirts, and an option for a HFP (Honda Factory Performance) upgrade. The suspension was updated with a change from 4 lug to 5 lug bolt pattern, a larger rear sway bar, and a change from 15-inch wheels (195/60-15) to 16-inch wheels (205/55-16). The interior received more silver accents in place of the chrome ones (the lock switch).

Source: Wikipedia