Incredibly, Honda expects the starting price of the 2006 Civic Si to be less than $20,000 when the car goes on sale December 1, 2005. That represents terrific value.

From the Alliston, Ontario factory, the 2006 Honda Civic Si includes a list of goodies that separate it from the Civic EX coupe on which it is based. Performance features like a 197-hp engine with rev-limit warning light, six-speed manual transmission, helical limited slip differential, 17-inch wheels and tires, stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, snugger seats, rear wing spoiler, and throaty sport-tuned exhaust are included in the base price. The Civic Si also gets creature comforts like power windows with driver’s one-touch up and down, a one-touch open and close power sunroof, a 350-watt audio system with six speakers and an eight-inch subwoofer, an auxiliary input jack for an iPod or other portable music equipment, and red ambient lighting for the center console – just like in a BMW.

Extra-cost items include the navigation system with XM satellite radio, the Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 performance tires, and any other dealer-installed items like 18-inch wheels and tires. Plus, as the featured car at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) convention this November, you can bet on a wide variety of aftermarket parts to pimp this ride.