The 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine made its debut in the 8th generation Civic sedan in 2006 as a completely new engine.

It provides levels of driveability, fuel efficiency, emissions and performance that confirm Honda’s outstanding reputation for advanced engine technology and its position as the world’s largest engine manufacturer.

The 1.8-litre engine is significant because it marked the debut of a further advance in Honda’s acclaimed i-VTEC system that is designed to reduce pumping losses and therefore improve fuel economy.

On the other hand, it had to be a quiet engine with a refined feel to the sound quality, essential in a car that will compete at the premium end of small hatches.

It also had to fit within the limited space under the bonnet without interfering with either the overall design or handling characteristics.

Last butcertainly not least, it had to achieve good fuel economy and low emissions and that was where the state-of-the-art VTEC technology was instrumental in meeting these objectives.

The 6-speed manual transmission replaces the 5-speed of the previous Civic hatch, however shift feel has been improved thanks to a shorter synchromesh sleeve stroke, a linkless rotation select structure and high capacity detent bearings that generate less friction.

Additionally, a variable lever ratio shift arm and a new gear  specification - with better intermeshing from 3rd to 6th gear - were adopted.

This transmission is more compact and has reduced friction. At the same time, the stroke was reduced, the ratios are closer and the overall feel improved.

The Civic Si hatch is also available with an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission.

This all-new transmission - a first for the Civic - improves on the previous 4-speed with wider overall ratios to maximise acceleration in gears one through four and optimise fuel economy in its fifth gear.

The computercontrolled direct control transmission provides amazingly smooth shifts.

The direct control coupled with gear ratios that are matched to the engine’s output help extract more power at just the right time to provide overall vehicle performance, competitive to vehicles with 4-speed automatic transmissions, and more horsepower.

The Civic Si is one of Europe’s safest cars according to the latest crash test results from EuroNCAP. Under the new rating scheme introduced in February 2009, the Civic Si achieves an overall five star rating.

The new Civic Si is built at Honda’s UK manufacturing plant in Swindon.