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Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Honda Civic Si for a Week, and I'm Convinced That You Don't Need a Type R
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 2025 Honda Civic Si has enough gusto Ask any Honda enthusiast what their favorite model is from the Japanese automaker, and the Civic Type R is likely to come up. We can't blame anyone for saying that, considering the hot hatchback pushes more than 300 horsepower to its front wheels and handles like a rear-wheel-drive car. We have spent some time in the Civic Type R and came away impressed with it, but its nearly $46,000 price tag leaves something to be desired. However, when shopping for a sporty car, you have to think about more than just its price and power. 0:07 / 0:09 2025 Honda Accord: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More For instance, if you're only looking for something fun to drive on the street but don't plan on hitting the track at all, then I would argue that the Honda Civic Si presents a better value over its high-powered stablemate. Like its big brother, the Type R, the Civic Si only comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, so it's plenty fun right out of the box. It also has a sport-tuned suspension and well-bolstered seats to hold you in at every corner, so you'll get those boy-racer sensations when driving it spiritedly. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda However, the Civic Si is also powered by a smaller turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, compared to the Type R's 2.0-liter mill, which only produces 200 horsepower to the front wheels. But does that mean it's not fun to drive? After all, there are many critics and owners out there saying that it feels underpowered, especially when comparing it to the Type R. To find out, I spent a week in the 2025 Honda Civic Si and was surprisingly impressed with its performance. In fact, by the end of the week, I was convinced that most prospective buyers shouldn't even look at the Type R. 2023 Honda Civic Type R — Source: Honda The Civic Si is more than its power rating As stated, the 2025 Honda Civic Si is motivated by a small turbocharged engine that generates 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, which doesn't sound like much compared to other high-performance sedans and hatchbacks on the market. For example, the competing Volkswagen GTI has 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which sounds monstrous compared to the Civic. And, of course, the Type R completely overshadows it with its 315-horsepower rating. However, I'm here to argue that those power numbers don't really matter when you're behind the wheel and aiming to hit the next apex on the winding road you're on. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Let's keep in mind that the Civic Si only weighs 2,952 pounds, which is relatively light for a sedan equipped with plenty of safety features and other comfort amenities that typically add a lot of weight. This isn't a race car, by any means, but it is fun to drive. With its good power-to-weight ratio, the Civic Si feels agile and quick when you put it through its paces. No, it doesn't pull like a freight train, and it won't win any drag races against a Mustang GT, but straight-line speed isn't what this car is about, so don't mind its 6.6-second 0-60-mph time. That's actually still pretty quick, but on paper, it doesn't sound that great compared to other performance cars. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda Instead, the Civic Si shines in the corners with its sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky summer tires. I sent the Civic Si down my favorite Colorado canyon road, and it ate up the corners with ease, so much so that I could barely get the tires to complain. Its handling limits are meant to be explored on a racetrack. Maybe not a large one with sweeping turns, but a technical one with sharp corners will allow the driver to really feel what the car is about. As for the powertrain, the Civic Si's force-fed mill pumped out its power in a smooth way throughout the whole rpm band. It has a meaty mid-range torque curve that does well to pull the car out of tight turns, and its close-ratio gear set keeps the tachometer needle right where it needs to be. The limited-slip differential also gives the car the traction it needs when cornering at speed. Needless to say, traction and superior handling are what this car is about, and that's mostly what makes it fun to drive. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda Final thoughts: You don't really need a Civic Type R Considering how well the Honda Civic Si handles on canyon roads, it's surprisingly comfortable to drive on the street. The suspension soaked up road imperfections well, and the car never felt unsettled when hitting dips and going over speed bumps. The Civic Type R, on the other hand, feels a little rougher on the street, and despite its insane power and superb handling prowess, it's not fun to drive over speed bumps or up steep driveways. You know, regular driving duties. Additionally, although some enthusiasts will like the Civic Type R's well-bolstered race buckets, those tall bolsters are a pain to get over when getting in and out of the car. The Civic Si's sport seats are bolstered well too, and they hold you in under tight cornering pretty well, but they also aren't a pain to get in and out of. 2023 Honda Civic Type R — Source: Honda Lastly, while the Civic Type R's immense power and handling make the car feel like a race car on paved roads, it's better suited for an actual racetrack so the driver can really explore its limits. The Civic Si, on the other hand, can be enjoyed on normal roads and on a normal commute while giving you a smile-inducing experience when you want to take the scenic route on your way home from work. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
Car and Driver
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2025 Audi S3 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs EPA MPG 26 Combined Seating 5 Seats Cargo Capacity 8 Cubic Feet Powertrain Gas Drivetrain All-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 4 Years/50,000 Miles Overview The Audi S3 sedan splits the difference between the sensible and appealing standard A3 and the intense and track-ready 401-hp RS3. This compact, all-wheel-drive sedan's handsome, reserved exterior provides a nice foil for the rorty turbocharged four-cylinder found under the hood. Audi has announced a mild power bump for the 2025 S3, an increase of 22 ponies for a total of 328 horsepower. Numerous chassis revisions are intended to further hone its already sharp handling skills, and there's a sassy new drift mode. But the S3's story has always been about its remarkable balance, not only in terms of style and performance but also in the way its tasteful interior blends modern tech with decent material quality in a way that never looks forced or garish. It's a smart and sensible small luxury sedan with an athletic side, a car that can cut and run when called upon but won't beat you up every day with a harsh ride or booming exhaust note. Its enthusiast-friendly personality has made it one of our favorites in a class full of fun-to-drive cars. What's New for 2025? The S3 receives a well-curated round of updates, all focused on elevating its performance. Horsepower from the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is up by 22, for a total of 328 horses. Torque remains the same at 295 pound-feet but is available across a wider rev band. Likewise, the chassis, driveline, and software receive some massaging, including a new torque-split system on the rear axle—similar to the one in use in the RS3—that uses two clutch packs to enable variable output between the two rear wheels. Front-end tweaks include larger brakes with two-piston calipers, revised geometry with different camber curves, and retuned steering. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2025 Audi S3 starts at $49,995 and goes up to $56,195 depending on the trim and options. Premium $49,995 Premium Plus $52,395 Prestige $56,195 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k $70k $80k $90k The Premium Plus trim hits the sweet spot. It has driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control and includes features such as memory settings for the driver's seat and wireless smartphone charging. Drivers who desire a head-up display and top-notch Bang & Olufsen audio will need to step up to the Prestige. Want to compare the 2025 Audi S3 to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars Engine, Transmission, and Performance The S3's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine is rated for 328 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, 22 horsepower higher than last year's model. A seven-speed automatic transmission and Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard. During our test drive of the 2025 model, we praised the S3's lithe handling and found its powertrain to be perky, eager, and sonorous. The engine improvements help the car feel even more responsive than before, and we felt the new torque-splitting differential at work in the corners, where the S3 is a precise and willing partner. 0–60-MPH Times In our testing, the updated S3 got to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. That's slightly quicker than the old model. View Exterior Photos Audi Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The S3 is EPA-rated for 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. It's more efficient than the CLA35 and just a bit behind the M235 Gran Coupe. When we get a chance to test the S3's highway fuel economy on our 75-mph test route, we'll update this story with results. For more information about the S3's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The S3's cabin is nearly identical to the new A3's but adds some racier styling elements such as sport seats with quilted leather inserts and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The S3 uses the same toggle-switch gear selector as the A3 as well. Audi offers the S3 with a more comprehensive set of standard features, though, including a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, and illuminated door jamb scuff plates. Passenger space is slightly more generous than in the previous-gen S3, but the new car's trunk is smaller. View Interior Photos Audi Infotainment and Connectivity The S3 comes with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display. The screens run Audi's latest MMI software interface and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard. Buyers of the mid-range Premium Plus trim can opt for the Technology package, which adds a larger 12.3-inch digital gauge display, in-dash navigation, and a Sonos-branded stereo system. The top-of-the-line Prestige model gets all those same features as standard equipment. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Like most Audis, the S3 comes standard with several driver-assistance features; more advanced technology is optional. For more information about the S3's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The new S3 comes with the same standard warranty as the rest of the Audi lineup, which includes coverage on the vehicle's powertrain and a bumper-to-bumper policy that spans four years or 50,000 miles. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance Specifications Specifications 2025 Audi S3 Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base/As Tested: $49,995/$60,840 ENGINE turbocharged DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 121 in3, 1984 cm3 Power: 328 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 14.1-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.2-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport 235/35R-19 91Y RO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 103.6 in Length: 177.4 in Width: 71.5 in Height: 55.7 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 48/40 ft3 Cargo Volume: 8 ft3 Curb Weight: 3575 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 4.2 sec 100 mph: 10.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 12.8 sec @ 109 mph 140 mph: 24.0 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.2 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec Top Speed (mfr claim): 155 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 152 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 303 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.95 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY 500-mi Trip: 22 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/31 mpg More Features and Specs
Auto Car
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Jaecoo 5: petrol-powered Evoque rival to arrive this year
The Range Rover Evoque-rivalling Jaecoo 5 will go on sale this year – and it will make its UK debut at next week's Goodwood Festival of Speed. The crossover will be the second car in the Chery-owned Jaecoo line-up, joining the larger Jaecoo 7, a car that has quickly gained popularity here after amassing almost 6000 sales since it went on sale at the start of the year. The Jaecoo 5 is based on the same T1X platform as its stablemate, as well as sibling brand Omoda's similarly named 5, 7, 9 and recently revealed 3 – the 3 being its most closely related cousin. Unusually, the Jaecoo 5 will not be launched first with an electric or electrified powertrain. Instead, it will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. While exact technical details have yet to be confirmed, its state of tune is likely to match the same capacity unit in the Omoda 5: 187bhp, 203lb ft, and paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Visually, the Jaecoo 5 is a shrunken version of the 7, with near-identical front and rear end designs, but with a shorter wheelbase and a more raked roofline. Inside, however, the 5 receives a smaller infotainment screen (its exact size has not yet been disclosed) than the 7's 14.8in unit, and the larger car's 10.25in floating driver's display has been replaced by a screen housed within the dashboard. The 5 will be sold in two trim levels: Pure and Luxury. Entry-level equipment includes a six-speaker audio system, six-way adjustable seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Luxury trim adds a panoramic roof, wireless phone charging, and heated and ventilated front seats.
Car and Driver
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Mini Cooper Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Mini Cooper's cheeky charm and dedicated small-scale take on motoring are arguably its most bankable characteristics, and few shoppers enter a Mini showroom by accident. Still, the modern Mini is a fully baked automobile, powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 161 horsepower in standard guise and 201 horsepower in the S trim. Both use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It doesn't scrimp on tech or features either, offering the same connectivity options and safety features as less extroverted vehicles. In addition to the two- and four-door versions, there's also a Cooper Convertible, not to mention a Cooper Electric that we review separately. Whichever Mini Cooper fits your style, you'll find a lot of personality—and a smidge of practicality—baked into its tiny footprint. What's New for 2026? Redesigned for the 2025 model year, the Mini Cooper carries over virtually unchanged except for the John Cooper Works Style package availability, which now extends to all S models. Comprising adaptive dampers, unique wheels, and aero bits, it also permits more design flexibility with stripes, roof designs, and mirror-cap graphics. Think of it as a halfway point between the S by itself and the hopped-up JCW variant. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Mini Cooper starts at $30,675 and goes up to $38,075 depending on the trim and options. Signature $30,675 Signature Plus $33,075 S Signature $33,975 Iconic $34,775 S Signature Plus $36,375 S Iconic $38,075 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k For this latest generation of Mini's iconic Cooper, the company will offer it in two distinct models, the entry-level Cooper and the racier Cooper S. Three trim levels will be offered—Signature, Signature Plus, and Iconic—with increasing levels of equipment. We'd choose the more powerful Cooper S and opt for the Signature Plus trim because it adds desirable equipment, including standard sport seats and wireless device charging, and offers more customization possibilities in terms of color and trim. Opting for the four-door body style costs an extra $1000 over the two-door. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Both the Cooper and Cooper S come equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The entry-level Cooper pumps out 161 horsepower, but the more powerful turbocharged S model makes 201 horsepower—12 more than in the 2024 Cooper S. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission will be standard; sadly, we believe Mini will stop offering a six-speed stick with this new generation model. We drove the Cooper S and enjoyed the torquey engine and characterful exhaust note. Its handling is as sharp as ever, with the same lively feel in the corners, and the driving experience is quieter and more refined than in previous Minis. We also drove the convertible version and enjoyed the experience equally, if not a bit more, due to the extra sunshine. 0–60-MPH Times In our testing, the Cooper S got to 60 mph in a swift 5.8 seconds. The base model will likely be a few ticks slower, and we'll update this section with results when we get our hands on one. View Exterior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Cooper, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 28 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined for the four- and two-door versions. The Cooper convertible checks in at 27 city, 37 highway, and 30 combined, with the Cooper Convertible S sacrificing an additional 1 mpg in its city and highway ratings. For more information about the Cooper's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Mini has taken a simplistic approach with the new Cooper's interior. It started by analyzing the original Mini from 1959 and settled on a pared-back design inspired by that car. But it's far less basic than the vintage model and features nice materials, a textile-covered dashboard, clever hidden LED lighting elements, and a more refined control panel with toggle switches. We enjoyed the interior's mix of materials on our drive, noting that although the new car is roughly the same size as the outgoing model, the interior feels more spacious and open. View Interior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity The Cooper's party piece is a unique circular digital infotainment display that appears to float in front of the dashboard. A head-up display is also standard and pops up from the dash in front of the driver. Navigation, smartphone-mirroring functions, SiriusXM radio, and various built-in apps are all included in Mini's updated infotainment software. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Cooper comes with driver-assistance technology such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. For more information about its crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Mini offers a slightly better warranty than other small-car manufacturers, particularly with complimentary scheduled maintenance. Volvo and BMW both offer complimentary scheduled maintenance plans that match Mini's policy. Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Mini Cooper S 2-Door Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door hatchback PRICE Base/As Tested: $35,595/$39,495 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 122 in3, 1998 cm3 Power: 201 hp @ 5000 rpm Torque: 221 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm TRANSMISSION 7-speed dual-clutch automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.2-in vented disc/11.0-in disc Tires: Pirelli Cinturato P7 215/40R-18 89Y ★ DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 98.2 in Length: 152.6 in Width: 68.7 in Height: 56.4 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 47/32 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 34/9 ft3 Curb Weight: 2991 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.8 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.4 sec @ 99 mph 100 mph: 14.7 sec 130 mph: 29.9 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.4 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.4 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.4 sec Top Speed (mfr claim) : 150 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 167 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 346 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.89 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 26 mpg EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 32/28/39 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Auto Blog
29-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Hennessey Demon 1700: Twin-Turbo, 1,700 HP, 7.9s Quarter-Mile
The Dodge Demon 170 is already one of the most ludicrous muscle cars ever made. With 1,025 hp sent to the rear wheels through a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hemi, it rockets through the quarter-mile in just 8.91 seconds — quicker than most hypercars. That should have been the end of the story. But Hennessey, the Texas tuner known for modified Mustangs, Camaros, and the Venom F5, has done something unimaginable. It's called the Hennessey Demon 1700. Twin-Turbocharged Sacrilege For The Benefit Of Power Source: Hennessey Performance Muscle cars are supposed to have humongous, gas-guzzling naturally aspirated V8 engines, with a high-performance oddball flaunting a supercharger. However, Hennessey just broke the unspoken rule. They ditched the Demon's supercharger in favor of a set of turbochargers, much like Chevy did with the ZR1. Usually, this would result in outrage. A turbocharged muscle car? A modern Dodge muscle car without a whine? That's like microwaving a steak. But when your name is Hennessey, you can get away with pretty much anything. After bumping its displacement from 6.2 to 7.2 liters and adding two turbochargers, the V8 generates a staggering 1,700 hp and about 1,400 lb-ft of torque on E85, as you can see on the video below. Down The Quarter-Mile Source: Hennessey Performance When you mash the accelerator pedal in the standard 1,025-hp Demon 170 from a standstill, you're met with clouds of smoke, the smell of rubber, and a 0 to 60 mph time of 1.66 seconds. The quarter-mile is said to arrive in a brisk 8.91 seconds, but Hennessey claims the 1,700-hp Demon 170 will do it in 7.9 seconds, making it the fastest car down the drag strip in the world. That title is currently held by the McMurtry Speirling, with the electric fan car clocking a time of 7.97 seconds. The Future Of The Hennessey Twin-Turbo V8 Source: Hennessey Performance During this dyno test, Ram's CEO, Tim Kuniskis, can be spotted in sheer disbelief. While this doesn't necessarily confirm anything, it gives petrolheads hope that this monstrous V8 might stumble its way into a RAM truck, or perhaps even save the brand-new Dodge Charger from remaining a laughing stock. One thing is certain, though: there's more than enough reason to celebrate Hennessey's Frankenstein creation, and we're on the edge of our seats waiting to see what's coming next. About the Author Marnus Moolman View Profile
