Civic Sis promise performance and for the most part this one delivers. The engine makes 197 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 139 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,100 rpm. It sings sweetly to its 8,000-rpm redline, and the six-speed manual transmission is one of the smoothest shifting we've found, with short throws and an easy, progressive clutch. But – and here's the part Honda fanboys hate – it needs more torque. The VTEC power surge comes on at about 6,000 rpm. In second gear at that engine speed you're already going 40 mph, and you hit redline soon after. Honda's Acura division has embraced turbocharging for this engine in the RDX, with great success. We hope Honda does, as well.