Honda has clearly been listening to its critics when cooking up the HFP (Honda Factory Performance) version of the new Civic Si coupe. Although it doesn't increase horsepower, the HFP edition Si (limited to just 400 units for the Canadian market) does make significant improvements in two key areas: handling and style.

When we track tested the 2012 Civic Si last year, we were let down by its soft suspension tuning and excessive body roll when cornering hard. We also weren't fans of the Si's relatively bland styling and the fact that its sheet metal was far too reminiscent of the outgoing model. On the other hand, the '06 to '11 Civic was a handsomely styled machine, so I can't blame Honda for not wanting to stray too far from its design. Nor can Honda be blamed for not wanting to reinvent the Civic too radically given that its been the best-selling car in Canada for 14 years in a row.

It's great during the winter, but during the summer I fined it quit cumbersome. When I take it off road I find it doesn't handle well at all. So there it is. take it or leave it.