Honda Civic Si Fourth Generation

After a brief hiatus in the Civic's 6th generation, the Civic Si reappeared in 1999. With the adoption of the VTi badge in Europe and the SiR and Type R badges in Japan for the sports variants of Civics, the Si became primarily a USDM-specific badge, a branding trend that would continue in subsequent Civic generations. Going from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, the 1999 Civic Si trim featured a 1.6-liter B16A2 engine that made 160 hp (120 kW) at 7,600 RPM and 111 ft-lbs of torque at 7,000 RPM. Sharing a similar power plant to the 1.6-liter Del Sol, the Civic Si saw some notable differences, which include a larger throttle body, improved intake manifold, strengthened connecting rods, low-friction/high-silicon pistons, a fully counterweighted crankshaft, and an exhaust system with larger piping diameter. Due to its good fuel economy (27/31 city/hwy MPG), independent suspension at all four corners, and a more popular coupe form, the trim garnered a dedicated following in spite of its short production cycle.

Changes from the standard Civic included stiffer, progressive-rate springs, stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars, and a tower brace, which contributed to a flatter-cornering ride. Aesthetic exterior changes from LX/EX models were minimal, with the Si trim featuring a lower-profile and wider 15-inch wheel/tire package, a subtle chin-spoiler, side sills, and Si badging. For the interior, the fourth generation Si had tilt adjustment for the bottom cushion, a standard CD player, sunroof, power windows and door locks, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, and red-faced instrumentation with Si branding.

Only the EX sedan, 99-00 SiR (Canada), and some 96-98 EX coupe Civics came equipped with an anti-lock braking system; the 99-00 Civic Si did not have this feature except the Australian version sold as the VTi-R.

Like other Civics, this was the last generation of the Si to feature a front double-wishbone suspension. Subsequent Civics including the Si trims have since adopted the less-expensive and more compact MacPherson struts.