Since its introduction 35 years ago, Honda Civic Si has offered young driving enthusiasts an affordable, high-performances sport compact. For 2022 Honda delivers a freshly designed Si for a new generation of driving enthusiasts.
Featuring new styling, more dynamic performance and (what Honda calls) a more engaging driving character – the Civic Si was just named an ‘Editor’s Choice’ by Car and Driver magazine.
Following a week behind the wheel, we agree that the Honda 2022 Civic Si – already named the 2022 North American Car of the Year – is simply the best-handling, best-equipped, and most fun-to-drive Civic Si ever.
Last month, Honda sent us a Civic Si for a week-long drive test in and around Austin, Texas. The MSRP for the 2022 Civic Si is $27,300. Our Si – in Blazing Orange Pearl paint – was equipped with the optional summer performance tires and delivered into our garage for $28,910.
Oh yeah, did we mention that Civic Si is very affordable – particularly for a performance sedan that delivers like this one does.
Let’s take a look.
Powertrain/Mechanical
The heart and soul of the new 2022 Civic Si lies in its updated powertrain, including a six-speed manual shift standard, and its enhanced underpinnings.
The standard turbocharged high-output VTEC 1.5-liter 200 horsepower 4-cylinder engine is integrated with a rev-matching 6-speed manual transmission connected to a limited -slip differential.
The retuned turbo features significantly broader power curves and more horsepower. The engine now delivers 192 lb.-ft. of peak torque from 1,800-5,000 rpm, 300 rpm sooner than the previous generation.
Its Drive Mode system features NORMAL, SPORT and a new INDIVIDUAL mode allows drivers to customize the driving experience as they wish.
As a true enthusiast vehicle, the Si’s standard 6-speed manual transmission has been reengineered with greater shift feel and 10 percent shorter throws. For the first time, Civic Si has equipped the manual gearbox with the rev-matching system from the Civic Type R. Great move Honda!
Underneath, the Si’s handling, performance and ride quality have been enhanced. Its suspension has been completely retuned with stiffer springs, firmer dampers, strategically stiffer bushings and thicker anti-roll bars.
Updates to the steering system greatly improve steering feel while the 18-inch wheels mounted with summer performance tires keep the Si firmly planted to the road.
Exterior
The 2022 Civic Si’s sporty exterior styling and accent features – along with the Si-exclusive Blazing Orange Pearl color – gives it ‘attitude’ says Honda. With its Si-specific matte black 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels – we agree.
Sporty design cues unique to the Civic Si include a gloss black sporty honeycomb grille mesh similar to the intricate honeycomb trim inside the cabin. Si’s new upper front bumper design is more aggressive, and its rear bumper has been reshaped to reveal two large oval exhaust outlets.
A gloss black rear spoiler mounted atop the trunk lid adds downforce to improve high speed stability. Civic Si also features gloss black exterior trim on the mirrors and window surrounds.
Interior
Honda has really done a bang-up job on the Si interior.
New Si-exclusive Body Stabilizing sport seats with built-in head restraints, more prominent shoulder and thigh side supports comfortably envelope the driver and passenger around town and out on the road.
The two-tone Red and Black interior is both handsome and sporty at the same time. Racy red accents highlight Civic’s signature metal honeycomb dash trim and match the contrasting stitching on the steering wheel, doors, console, shift boot and leather-wrapped aluminum shift knob.
A Height Adjustable Driver Seat along with Tilt and Telescopic Steering column make are adjustable for easy reach of clutch and brake pedals. Sport pedals are standard and we noted that spacing of brake and clutch pedals was very adequate allowing precise shifting and braking. Rear seating is 60/40 Fold-Down with a Center Armrest.
Other elements include Center Console with Sliding Armrest and Storage, Illuminated Steering Wheel Controls, Push-Button Start and Automatic Climate Control with Filtration.
Technology / Infotainment
Features on the most technologically advanced Si ever include a new 7-inch color LCD instrument display, a 9-inch HD color touchscreen with a volume knob and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
A new 12-speaker Bose premium sound system is standard and features Bose Centerpoint 2 technology and SurroundStage digital signal processing.
Other elements include SiriusXM and HD Radio, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, SMS Text Messaging, Speed Sensitive Volume Control along with 2.5A audio interface, charging ports plus a 12V power outlet in the front console.
Safety
The 11th generation 2022 Honda Civic Si features the expanded Honda Sensing suite of driver-assisting features and safety technology. New features include Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Monitor and Rear Seat and Rear Seatbelt Reminder alerts.
Civic Si is so well-equipped, in fact it has earned the coveted highest TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
In addition to Honda Sensing, other features of note include: Multi-Angle Rearview Camera w/Dynamic Guidelines, Auto High Beam Headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, Tire Pressure Monitoring and Blind Spot Information System w/Cross Traffic Monitor.
2022 Honda Civic Si Sedan
There are just two trims offered in the Civic Si, the Civic Si (MSRP $27,300) and Civic Si w/HPT (MSRP $27,500). The difference? The Si w/HPT is equipped with summer performance tires.
Learn more about the 2022 Civic Si here https://automobiles.honda.com/civic-si-sedan
2022 Honda Civic Sedan Lineup
If the new Civic Si is – maybe – a bit to ‘hot’ for you or you want a Civic sedan with an automatic transmission, then Honda has four other trim levels of Civic for you to choose from.
See them all at https://automobiles.honda.com/civic-sedan
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KEY DATA: 2022 Honda Civic Si
- Model: Civic
- Trim: Si w/HPT
- Class: Sport Compact Sedan
- Seating: Five
- MSRP: $27,500
- As Tested: $28,910
- Powertrain: 1.5L Turbo I4
- Horsepower: 200 @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 192 lb.-ft.@ 1,800-5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual w/Rev-Match Control
- Drive Modes: Normal/Sport/Individual
- Drive System: FWD
- Suspension: MacPherson Strut (F) / Multi-Link (R)
- Steering: Variable Ratio Electric Power Steering
- Brakes Ventilated Disc front / Solid Disc rear
- Wheels: 18-inch Alloy
- Tires: 235/40 R18 ‘Summer’ Tires
- Fuel Economy: 27/37 mpg City/Highway 31 mpg Combined
- Fuel Tank: 12.39 gallons
- Range: 450 miles Highway
SOURCE: Honda Civic Si Press Release and Test Drive
