SUMMARY
The line of the Honda Civic has gone on for 11 generations, each being an improvement on the build of the last. With the latest generation from the company, they plan on bringing back the Civic Si model from a one-year hiatus. This model has typically focused more on performance, while also offering it for a lower price point. Its return is signaled by a redesigned front end, a tuned-up chassis for the model, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Most of all, it’s one of the only sport compacts that are still only offered in manual transmission and FWD.
LATEST
After last year’s generation where the Civic Si was given a brief hiatus, this new Civic Si comes with new dimensions, an updated roster of features, and increased performance to rival the competition.
ESTIMATED VALUE
The new iteration of Honda’s Civic Si is priced at $28,315*. This is an increase of $2,120 over its predecessor, still making it much cheaper than competitors in the sports sedan market. There are not many options that buyers can go for, except for a set of summer tires which cost $200.
MACHINE PERFORMANCE
The price increase may come as a shock, but it makes up for it with a solid package that gives the Si great performance on the road. A turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine gives the Civic Si the capability for 200 horsepower, and an output of 192 pounds-feet of torque. A limited-slip differential and six-speed manual transmission sends the power to the front wheels, with no option available for an automatic transmission. The Si benefits from 10% faster gear changes and a rev-match system that was borrowed from the Civic Type R.
In terms of performance, Honda says that the new Si has a broader torque curve ranging in between 1,800 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This is all thanks to the new single-mass flywheel that’s been made 26 percent lighter than the typical dual-mass flywheel. Power is relatively stable at 6000 rpm to 6500 rpm. The peak torque is now reached earlier at 1800 rpm and holds a steady 192 pounds-feet of torque up until the 5000 rpm mark. It even has quite an aggressive sound thanks to its newly designed exhaust system, with both tailpipes looping around right before the tip. This allows the exhaust to stay longer and produce a louder sound once it does exit the exhaust pipe.
The suspension of the new Civic Si has been renewed, sporting a whole set of new upgrades. Firmer dampers, stiffer springs and bushings, and anti-roll bars that have been made thicker to sharpen the Si’s agility and lessen body roll. The wheelbase has been extended by 1.4 inches, and the rear track as well at 0.5 inches. This allowed Honda to stiffen up the structure of the Civic Si, making this sedan much more agile. 18-inch wheels and 235/40 size rubber tires come standard, with the summer tires being a more performance-focused option. Larger brakes have also been installed onto the Civic Si.
Handling has also been greatly improved due to an improved steering torsion bar which connects the steering shaft to the car’s rack and pinion. It can also be improved via the new Individual drive mode. Three drive modes are available to the Civic Si: Normal, Sport, and Individual. The new Individual mode allows drivers to tailor certain aspects of the car such as engine response, rev-matching, the idle-stop system, and even the colors of the instrument panel. Honda aims for greater stability at higher speeds, compensating for this with a longer wheelbase and wider track compared to the 2020 model.
FUEL EFFICIENT & ACTUAL MPG
EPA ratings have been released for the 2022 Civic Si, rating it at 27 MPG/City and 37 MPG/Highway. More information on the fuel economy of the Civic Si can be found at the official EPA website, as well as other online sites.
INTERIOR, SOLACE & BAGGAGE
Sport Seats that feature red contrast stitching, Si logos placed on the headrests, and added bolstering are mounted onto the interior of the Civic Si. The same red-stitching is also present on the car’s doors, steering wheel, the door panels, and even the honeycomb paneling done across the dashboard to exemplify its status as a sports car. The seats are also offered with additional thigh and shoulder support, as well as integrated headrests and a longer lower cushion.
Even with all the sports car features and design patters, deep down it’s still a four-door sedan that can be used for a regular commute. Passenger space and Cargo Capacity is still much the same with the Honda Civic, sharing roughly the same dimensions. The rear trunk should be able to hold about six suitcases, which is enough for a family getaway.
TECHNOLOGY
More in line with the higher-end Civic models, the Si comers with a standard infotainment system. A 9.0-inch touchscreen can be found at the middle of the dashboard, complete with a volume knob and other buttons for navigating its interface. All models of the Civic Si will come standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The sound system on the Si is a 12-speaker Bose audio setup, making it great when you want to put on some tunes and just drive along.
SAFETY
Honda’s driver-assistance technology offerings are still the same as that of the previous model. Standard features include a forward-collision warning system and automated emergency braking. Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance systems are also available, with adaptive cruise control being standard as well.
WARRANTY
Honda’s warranty plan for the Civic Si is quite competitive when compared to its rivals, but not particularly noteworthy as well. It does have limited warranty covered for three years or the first 36,000 miles driven, whichever comes first. It also comes with a Powertrain warranty which lasts for five years or the first 60,000 miles driven. However, Honda does not offer any plan for complimentary scheduled maintenance which is quite a disappointing thing to see.