Honda Civic 2022: Si model returns for America with hotter performance

Honda says the Civic Si is “the most fun to drive” in the badge’s history – but it probably won’t come to Australia

The 11th-generation Honda Civic Si has been revealed in the United States overnight, with the sub-Type R Civic grade unlikely to come to Australia

An array of updates have been made to the sporty Si’s engine, transmission, handling, safety, infotainment and exterior design.

Turbo 1.5 and a manual gearbox

The outputs of the Si’s 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine have been increased by 22kW/40Nm (from the Australian 1.5-litre specification) to 149kW of power and 260Nm of torque.

Civic Si driving — The new Civic Si will come in this vibrant Blazing Orange Pearl colour.

Along with more power, the Civic Si gains a lightened single-mass flywheel to increase throttle response along with a new dual-coil exhaust system. Interior noise is increased with the addition of Honda’s Active Sound Control system.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox has been improved also, giving drivers 10 percent shorter gear throws to improve feel. Automatic rev-matched downshifts borrowed from the tenth-gen Civic Type R debut in the Si for the very first time.

Honda claims that handling has been improved over the previous iteration of the Civic Si with the brand committing to higher rigidity.

Civic Si gear shift — Rev matching taken from the Civic Type R will feature in the Si.

Torsional rigidity has been increased by 8 percent and bending rigidity has been increased by 13 percent.

Spring rates are up 8 percent in the front and a massive 54 percent in the rear when compared to the civic sedan.

Front bushings, which have been sourced from the Type R, are 79 percent stiffer than the Civic sedan.

Large 312mm brakes feature up front, with 281mm rotors at the rear covered by 235/40R18 tyres all round.

Civic Si seats — Work has been done to make the seats even more comfortable than before.

Sportier interior

The sporting exterior design finds its way to the interior where there is a heavy use of red contrast stitching across the doors, steering wheel, centre armrest, shift boot and shift knob.

Si specific sports seats are a new addition to the cabin which are body stabilising and have built in head restraints. Greater thigh support also features to reduce fatigue on long drives.

A 7-inch instrument display features right in front of the driver along with a 9-inch colour touchscreen which is centrally mounted.

Civic Si interior — 9-inch touchscreen is front and centre but 7-inch driver screen is a nice touch.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both configurable, with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system making sure you can hear your beats clearly.

Donut-shaped airbag

Debuting in a Honda for the very first time is an innovative airbag design which aims to prevent severe brain trauma from angled front collisions. A donut shaped airbag helps to cradle the head on impact to reduce rotation.

Civic Si rear — A new exhaust has been developed for the car that hopefully makes more noise!

All Civic models feature the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure which features a redesigned front A-pillar structure, side frame and lower firewall – all done to push crash energy around the cabin.

The all new Honda Sensing suite of active safety features is standard on the Si, which uses a new single camera system to detect incoming objects such as cars, pedestrians and cyclists.