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Enthusiasts have their hot hatchback back! Honda's Civic Si reigned for 15 years as the affordable hot rod, then disappeared two years ago when the Japanese automaker embarked on a major remodel of its entry-level sedan.

During that time, front-drive street machines that were inspired by the Si gained in popularity, and new production cars like Volkswagen's Golf GTI and Ford's Focus SVT quickly drew a following. Reintroduced this year, the Civic Si is playing catch-up.