2022 Honda Civic Si Turbo 6-Speed Manual: A Closer Look
Economical doesn’t have to mean boring!
CAR FRONT
The Honda Civic is a very popular transportation car, but some shoppers want a bit more zip in their daily transportation. There is an upgrade package that offers this desire and at a reasonable cost.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
EMBLEM
This brings us to the Civic Si. It turns a routine daily commuter into a car that makes driving fun again.
ENGINE
There are two basic motors in the Civic. First is a 2.0 liter rated at 158 horsepower, and then a 1.5 turbo listed at 180 ponies. The Si takes that 1.5 liters and then cranks the horsepower up to a more healthy 200. The turbocharger also brings torque to 192 at a low 1,800 rpm. Even though maximum torque is in the low range, this is a high-strung engine that doesn't come alive until it reaches the 3,000 rpm line. Therefore, it is better suited for a manual transmission.
SHIFTER
And a manual transmission is what we get with the Si. It is a slick box that is easy to shift, and pleasant to use. The clutch throw is a bit longer than normal but is light enough to also be pleasant to operate as well. This is one example where a manual outperforms an automatic, as the engine RPMs can now be kept up in the "sweet spot" for best performance.
DRIVE MODE
This switch offers Individual, Normal, or Sport mode. Below is a button to disconnect the annoying Start-Stop engine program.
WHEELS
All Civics are front-wheel drive, so dumping the clutch at high RPM with 200 horsepower can light up the tires, great for showing off burnouts at the local car meets. All Civic Si models come with performance P235/40 R18 tires on alloy wheels. Four-wheel disc brakes are 12.3 front and 11.1 rear for great stopping ability.
SEATS
The special performance seats look cool and are comfortable from the neck down. But from the neck up, the headrests are not adjustable, being of solid construction connected to the main body. This will fit some drivers, and some not, this can take some getting used to. Aftermarket head pillows can solve any fit issues.
SCREEN
The info screen is large enough and offers plenty of useful info.
GAUGES
The gauge cluster is well designed and easy to view.
CLIMATE
The climate controls are very simple to operate.
MPG SCREEN
The Civic Si is rated at 27/37 mpg. In the real world, we got 25.7 to 35.8 mpg, which is close enough.
POV
The Civic Si is a dual-purpose car. It is a smooth machine for daily commuting, but is happier when running at high RPM, and racing around tight mountain roads. Claimed 0-60 time is 6.8 seconds, but it feels a lot quicker. This car offers a lot of bang for the buck.
