When it comes to the Honda Civic, it’s either you go for the standard model or go all out in the form of the Type R. But what if you want something sportier than a regular Civic but not as hardcore as the Type R?
Unfortunately for us, there is no in-between option. Even Japan doesn’t get that choice. But if you live in the US or Canada, that model has been around for decades.
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That car is none other than the Honda Civic Si. It’s the equivalent of the SiR over there. But unlike here, Honda decided to keep its bloodline going in North America since 1998. The sportier Civic was recently updated, adding a host of updates and upgrades inside and out. On top of those are more tech features and several tweaks to the chassis.
As it sits between the standard and Type R models, the exterior of the Civic Si sees a more subtle look compared to the latter. There’s a more aggressive looking front end, a hexagonal pattern grille, a front under spoiler that’s rather hidden, and more obvious ducktail spoiler on the trunklid. Other changes made for the 2025 model year are smoked tail lights and redesigned Si-specific V-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels finished in matte black.
Inside, it’s identical to the pre-facelift model. The Si does gain deeper bucket seats, adding a heating system for the 2025 model year. But the big deal here is the inclusion of Google Assistant. It bundles Google Maps and Google Play to further enhance the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Another addition for the 2025 model year is the LED shift light to give a junior Type R feel. As for the rest of the cabin, it sports a two-tone red and black combination, a sunroof, and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system with Bose Centerpoint 2 technology and SurroundStage digital signal processing.
Like the standard Civic, the Si also gets improvements to its advanced driver assist system, Honda Sensing. There’s increased system visibility for motorcycles and bicycles for its autonomous emergency braking, along with simplified functionality for its adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist system.
For its chassis, Honda made the body stiffer by giving the Si new lower B-pillar and rear door sill supports to increase torsional and bending rigidity. That’s combined with the new damper settings fitted to the car to further improve handling.
Sadly, there are no upgrades under the hood. The Honda Civic Si continues to use a turbocharged 1.5-liter turbo that makes 200hp and 260Nm of torque. It makes around the same figures as the hybrid, but the Si is lighter so it should be a fair bit quicker. Enthusiasts will be glad to know that the only transmission option is a six-speed manual, and that it comes standard with a limited-slip differential.
It would be nice to get this model in the Philippines. Besides, some folks would just like a hint more sportiness instead of the full Type R package. It’s also a lot less expensive compared to a Type R and just a little more beside a regular Civic.
Unfortunately, the odds of it being sold outside of the US and Canada are slim to none as the Si is built in the States and nowhere else. A shame, really, as it would be nice to have a modern day SiR here.
