As if the controversy swirling about the Civic Si weren't enough, Factory Performance has drawn criticism like a doublewide brings twisters. A lot of people just don't get it.

Ever since its introduction to the public in 2002, the FP product line has generally been well received by the press (and rightfully so), but the enthusiast community has been a little fickle. Why is this? By the nature of the protests we've heard, it seems that many people place a higher value on horsepower than handling, and since the current FP applications leave the drivetrain untouched, the FP treatment is commonly dismissed as purely a cosmetic exercise.

While it's true that aero pieces and stylish wheels are part of the equation, they also serve to improve the function of the vehicle, providing very real benefits in terms of aerodynamic drag, downforce, enhanced grip, etc. Additionally, stiffer springs and shocks provide dramatically improved chassis dynamics. The improvement in the aesthetics of the vehicle is a beneficial side effect.

The Civic Si FP's interior enhancements are tastefully done, being limited to a nice titanium shift knob and some faux carbon fibre trim concealing most of the Civic Si's silver-painted plastic finish on the dash surfaces. The fake CF definitely improves the ambiance, as the whole painted-plastic-masquerading-as-metal thing is looking rather tired these days, no thanks to its sudden appearance in seemingly every vehicle on the road today.

The only other cues inside are a nice titanium shiftknob and a Factory Performance badge affixed just above the shifter.