I consider myself a car enthusiast and recently I purchased a white 2012 Civic Si Sedan. The BRZ is far more fun but nowhere as practical. Civic had quite a few things going for it, essentially fully loaded (sunroof, navigation, Bluetooth, fog lights, etc.) I actually like the 2.4L from the TSX, it feels a lot faster 0-100km/h in comparison to my previous 2008 Civic Si Coupe. The big thing was how cheap the Civic was to lease compared to the competition, because my 2008 Civic Si lease was coming up I was able to get 0.99%, zero down, 60 month lease on the 2012 Civic Si. It worked out to $305+tax per month which I also write off as it is my business vehicle. I was also able to get rid of my 2008 Civic SI which needed new tires, possibly a new clutch soon, and had a number of chips and dents. It was going to be worth less than the buyout price. While the competition looks similarly priced on paper, difficult getting into a BRZ, GTI, etc., under $400+tax per month.
There are a few negatives to the 2012 Civic Si.
- The interior is horrible compared to 2008 Civic Si. Everything is hard plastic; the armrest feels like a rock and doesn't adjust, etc. I don't know what they were thinking at Honda.
- The seats fold but the passage is very small, won't be transporting any 50'' TVs with it. Still miss my 2005 RSX Type-S, could easily accommodate a 50'' TV box and a variety of other things.
- Loud on the highway, same as 2008 Civic Si.