We have already previewed the new 2022 Honda Civic and we were already excited because Honda said they would be back to introduce a new Si version along with a Type R. Today, the new Honda Civic Si makes its appearance to fit comfortably between the “normal” Civic and the forthcoming performance-injected Type R.
The Honda Civic Si is in some ways legendary for offering a little something extra in the performance department but not to the point that it turned away lighthearted enthusiasts. In fact, the Honda Civic Si attracted those on the light-hearted spectrum of being an automotive enthusiast and potentially introduced many Si-seekers to a world of sport compact cars with a little “extra” under the hood.
The last Honda Civic Si embodies a welcomed drivetrain that only offered a 6-speed manual transmission, the way God intended as far as we’re concerned. Well, for the 11th-generation Civic, Honda returns to the same formula in only offering a manual transmission. Such a choice doesn’t necessarily run off those who are enamored by flappy-paddle shifters, but rather it keeps a passion alive for those of us who like to row our own gears possibly adding a new charge to the life-support system that manual transmission is on in our brave new EV future.
The new 2022 Honda Civic Si is just what we need – us enthusiasts. A 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder now with a wider powerband that is happy to rev to its 6,500 rpm redline and hang out in that area for as long as you desire – or as long as the tank of premium fuel lasts. The front wheels will probably beg for traction as there are some components that are taken from the Type R to give the Civic Si some new life and tech that now allows you to adjust throttle response, steering effort, and rev-matching programming for the slick 6-speed manual. Horsepower is said to be 200 with 192 lb-ft of torque.
Taking advantage of a wider track and longer wheelbase, the new Civic Si will be more stable than ever before along with better braking thanks to larger brakes. The ride will be firmly planted and have some traits of the Type R thanks to borrowed bushings, a stiffer torsion bar, and standard 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with all-season rubber or optional summer-performance tires.
The interior is mostly what we find in the new 11th generation Civic but with a subtle sporty flavor from the accented and nicely-bolstered front seats with several red accents throughout the cabin.
The aggressive looks you see is just what we will get as the Civic Si is ready to shine and arrive at dealerships later this fall – before the year is out! Pricing will likely be slightly more than the outgoing Civic Si, which started at $26,195. Still, if the price is anywhere near that, there’s a neat little manual-transmission sport compact to be had here as it has always been. Now, bring on that Civic Type R, too!
