2008 Honda Civic Review

Specifications

A few months ago I had opportunity to drive and review the 2007 Honda Civic Si Coupe and truly enjoying its crisp handling, commenting on how it was “pre-tuned” from the factory. The only thing missing was a set of rear doors, so I promised myself I’d check this more practical version out later. But why waste my time with a run of the mill Si, when Honda has something even more interesting in store for 2008. Yes, one thousand lucky customers will be able to get their hands on a limited edition MUGEN Civic Si sedan that comes only in Fiji Blue Pearl. Did you hear me right? Only 1,000 units will be produced for the 2008 model year. Slated to be priced under $30,000 with full factory warranty, the MUGEN Civic Si will be the perfect vehicle for the Honda enthusiast that wants the practicality of a four door sedan but the sporty looks and performance of a tuner coupe.

“Honda enthusiasts have long been asking for factory-installed MUGEN performance products similar to what the company offers in Japan,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “We’re enthusiasts, too, and the ultra-premium Civic MUGEN Si Sedan offers exclusive style and elevated handling performance with legendary Honda refinement.”

MUGEN, which is Japanese for “Without Limit”, is an aftermarket tuning company that specializes in reworking Honda factory engines and suspensions. They also manufacture aero body kits for both professional and amateur Honda enthusiasts. MUGEN is what TRD is for Toyota or NISMO is for Nissan. Although Honda doesn’t own MUGEN, the connection is strong as it was founded by Hirotoshi Honda, who is the son of Honda Motor Company founder Soichiro Honda. The company was founded in 1973 thanks to Hirotoshi Honda’s passion for racing, the result of building his own sports car out of his home garage. Since then, MUGEN has been actively involved in producing Honda race cars for the Formula 1, F3000, as well as Super GT series.

The exterior of the MUGEN Civic Si sedan is wrapped up in a stylish aero body kit that fully integrates a front spoiler with a matte black sports grille, side skirts, black M3-like rear bumper diffusers and an adjustable rear wing. The end result produces an ultra-sleek athletic look to what would otherwise be a commonplace Civic sedan. MUGEN Si badges are prominently placed on the front grille, rear deck, and spoiler. Forged 18×7.5-inch aluminum wheels finished in matte gray weigh less than 17 pounds apiece, which is actually 27 percent lighter than the regular 17-inch Si wheels. Encircling the sharp-looking seven spokes are BF Goodrich g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 performance summer tires making this MUGEN Civic Si race track ready.

The suspension is lowered by almost 0.6 inches with improved damping forces of eight percent up front and a whopping 24 percent in the rear. Fine tuning was done on Japan’s Twin Ring Motegi Race Circuit, so it should be more than adequate for street use.

Power enhancements come in the form of a better flowing MUGEN cat-back exhaust system that relieves back pressure, and while drivers may not necessarily feel the extra output this pipe provides they’ll certainly be able to hear the aggressive exhaust note.

Inside, occupants will be greeted with familiar Si dressings like the red stitched Si embroidered into the backs of the front bucket seats. What will set this car apart, mind you, is the exclusive MUGEN badge on the center console, as well as a spherical 2.0-inch MUGEN brushed aluminum shift knob.

As I mentioned in my earlier review of the regular Civic Si, I commented on how the coupe was “pre-tuned” from the factory without the risk of voiding the warranty. Well so too is the MUGEN Civic Si sedan. For customizing enthusiasts, here is another well assembled tuner Civic available on showroom floors in October of this year.

Judging by the WOW factor that this car generates on paper, I bet those 1,000 units will be snapped up in no time.