Honda has been making the Civic Si for 35 years, and it’s always served the “fun” role within the Civic model line. Delivering on that promise typically manifests as more engine power, a stiffer suspension, and subtle styling tweaks (inside and out) on the Civic Si versus the standard Civic, and Honda has followed that recipe for the newest version.
This approach has made the Civic Si a celebrated brand name within the automotive world, particularly given the standard Civic has consistently offered engaging driving dynamics throughout its 50-year history. The newest, eleventh-generation Honda Civic maintains its status as a fun-to-drive small car, which means the 2022 Civic Si can accurately be described as the “even more fun” model.
How does Honda up the fun factor on the 2022 Civic Si? First, it continues to offer this version with only a six-speed manual transmission. This not only guarantees full driver engagement, it also instantly imbues Si owners with rather elite status. Let’s be honest, in today’s world operating a manual transmission is a rare skill set that’s getting rarer every day. If you see a 2022 Honda Civic Si on the road you’ve just spotted a uniquely capable driver. The Si’s manual transmission is also enhanced from the base model, with 10 percent shorter throws and upgraded linkage and mounting components.
You’ve also just spotted a Civic with a host of upgraded improved mechanical items, starting with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering 200 horsepower, 192 pound-feet of torque and variable valve timing (VTEC). Peak power is actually down 5 hp from the outgoing Si, but Honda points out peak torque comes in 300 RPM earlier and peak horsepower is maintained over a broader RPM range. Combined with the manual transmission’s 30 percent lighter flywheel, and the rev-match system for the Type R, the new Civic Si’s drivetrain responds to throttle input without hesitation.
Additional mechanical upgrades include a standard limited slip differential, a higher flow (27 percent) exhaust system with active sound control, larger front and rear brake rotors, and firmer suspension tuning. All of these improvements are in addition to the longer wheelbase, wider rear track and stiffer body structure that benefits every eleventh-generation Civic, giving this Si the best driving dynamics yet offered on Honda’s “fun” trim. A $200 summer tire option, featuring 18-inch Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires, can further enhance the Si’ dynamics.
A drive through the California’s Central Coast allowed us to enjoy all of these upgrades while traveling between vineyard-covered hillsides and sweeping ocean views. The 1.5-liter turbo’s broad torque band, combined with the Si’s limited-slip differential and trademark Honda steering feel, dominated the driving experience, giving us all the power, traction and confidence we needed to experience the Civic’s responsive and precise drivetrain. Switching from “Normal” to “Sport” driving mode heightened steering weight and feel while further increasing throttle response and exhaust volume.
The Honda Civic Si felt right at home under these driving conditions, with fluid downshifts (thank you rev-matching) and minimal body movement under braking or through sweeping corners. Better still, this experience came after 4 hours of freeway driving from South Orange country, allowing us plenty of time to test the Si’s real-world functionality. It’s sport seats, for instance, display aggressive bolstering for lateral support, but they also proved comfortable for multi-hour freeway travel.
We already liked the latest Civic’s overall interior design, and the Si-themed cabin adds cool red accents on everything from the seats to the gauges to the steering wheel and door panels. There’s also a unique, carbon-fiber-ish finish on the center console, alloy trim on the pedals, and a red-themed menu system on the 9-inch central touchscreen. The standard 12-speaker Bose audio system was also appreciated during the freeway drone between Southern and Central California, as was the 300-plus mileage range between fill ups from the engine’s 27 city mpg, 37 highway mpg and 31 combined mpg.
Speaking of freeway droning, perhaps the new Civic’s most impressive, and appreciated, feature is Honda’s ability to combine a manual transmission with today’s driver-assist technology. Adaptive cruise control, which comes standard on the Si (along with Honda’s full “Honda Sensing” suite of advanced safety tech) is something you might not expect on a modern vehicle with three pedals. Not only is it present on manual-shift Civics, it works flawlessly. You can set a speed and then perform a gear change, during which the system disengages, and when the shift is complete the system seamlessly re-engages. No need to reselect your speed — or do anything else.
It’s this level of thoughtful design and refinement that makes Honda’s products so appealing, and in the 2022 Civic Si’s case, makes a strong value argument given all the features that come standard for the $28,515 starting price (including the $1,015 handling charge). Every piece of equipment discussed above, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a power moonroof, is included in that price. Factory options include the aforementioned $200 summer tires, and the Si-exclusive Blazing Orange Pearl paint seen here for $395. The only thing we like more than driving fun is financally-accessible driving fun. Assuming you can operate a manual transmission.
