Jason on Cars

I hate to do this, review two different models of cars back to back, but it’s how the ball bounced this month. So, sorry if you hate Hondas.

From the outside, this car reminds me of the bastard child of a Prius and a WRX. It is short and low with sharp lines and a big ass wing on the back. It has a slight ground kit and a tuner-inspired front end, yet still looks somewhat gentle.

Inside, it’s a cross between the special Si cloth racing seats that are intended to hug you and hold you in position, with the advanced and modern instrument panel I discussed in my review of the 4-door Civic. It’s comfortable, yet a little cramped. It’s easy to see all of the gauges, yet impossible to check your blind spot. Well positioned for a sprint around the corners, yet a little tight for a 5-hour trek to Vancouver, BC.

Stats: ~200hp, ~8000 rpm red line, ~$20,000.

From the outside I won�t argue with people that think this car is ugly. I like it, but I can understand how many people would feel that is a big, ugly box. In a way it kind of is, but that�s part of what I like about it. When I first read about this car, months before it came out, I got all tingly and excited. I loved the idea of a car actually being made with true usability in mind. It was one of the first cars that had an auxiliary audio input built into the dash. I thought that was one of those, �duh, why didn�t they think of that before� type of moments. Also, you can hose out the interior, for someone who snowboards and mountain bikes, I was in love.

I looked at the car and I just really, really hoped that it would hold up to my expectations.