Based on the all-new 11th-generation Civic Sedan, Honda has unveiled the new, turbocharged 2022 Civic Si sport compact sedan, which is equipped with an updated manual transmission now featuring the rev-matching system from the Civic Type R.
“Civic Si is a performance icon that has offered affordable high-performance for four decades and the new Honda Civic Si continues that legacy,” said Dave Gardner, executive vice president of National Operations, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “It isn’t just a blast to drive, it’s hands down the best Civic Si we’ve ever offered to our customers.”
Civic Si features the same long list of new active and passive safety systems as the rest of the 11th-generation Civic lineup. This includes the latest generation of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, new driver and front passenger airbags designed to reduce the risk of traumatic brain and neck injuries, rear seat side airbags and an updated Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver-assistive technologies.
What’s New:
- Updated 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with broader power curves and a lighter flywheel for quicker response and improved drivability
- Improved short-throw 6-speed manual transmission with standard rev-matching system from the Civic Type R
- Retuned suspension improves ride quality and takes Si handling to the next level
- 60-percent stiffer steering system torsion bar improves feel and response
- Drive Mode system features a new Individual mode for a customized driving experience
- Sporty Si-specific design cues add attitude and improve aerodynamic performance
- An available new and vibrant Blazing Orange Pearl exterior color is also exclusive to Civic Si
- The driver-focused interior features Si-specific body stabilizing sport seats with dynamic red accents and red contrast stitching
The 2022 Civic Si is powered by an updated high-output VTEC 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with usefully broader power curves than before, Honda said. The engine’s peak torque of 192 lb.-ft. of torque at 1800-5000 rpm (SAE net) now arrives 300 rpm sooner. Performance is also improved at the top of the tach where the engine maintains more output between its 200-horsepower power peak at 6000 rpm (SAE net) and its 6500 rpm redline.
Also equipped is a new dual-coil silencer exhaust system that increases exhaust flow 27% compared to Civic Touring. To complement the engine’s natural exhaust note inside the cabin, Civic Si uses an improved Active Sound Control system that can produce high-quality sound over a wider range of engine rpm.
A new single-mass flywheel is 26% lighter than the dual-mass unit used in the previous Si. The flywheel’s 30% reduction in inertia gives the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine a snappier throttle response, designers said. To maximize available traction when accelerating, power is routed to the front wheels through a standard helical limited-slip differential.
Equipped exclusively with a manual transmission, Si’s 6-speed has been updated with a new rigid shift lever mounting bracket and a new leather-wrapped aluminum shift knob similar to the Civic Type R.
For the first time, Civic Si features a rev-matching system directly from the Civic Type R. With the same 430 m/s response time as Civic Type R in Sport mode, the new rev-matching system will “blip” the throttle when it detects a downshift, matching revs.
In terms of body stiffness, this is the most rigid Civic Si ever, with an 8% increase in torsional rigidity and a 13% increase in bending rigidity compared to the outgoing Si. Like the 2022 Civic Sedan, the new Civic Si also benefits from a 0.5-inch wider rear track for additional stability, and a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase, totaling 107.7 inches, for a smoother ride, as well as greater high-speed stability.
Spring rates are 8% stiffer in front and 54% stiffer in the rear compared to Civic Sedan, Honda engineers said. New dampers also have been tuned specifically for the Si. The front MacPherson struts feature reinforced upper mounts to handle the increased cornering loads, and thicker front (27 mm hollow) and rear (18 mm solid) stabilizer bars compared to Civic Sedan to minimize body roll.
To improve stability, the front compliance bushings, sourced from the Civic Type R, are 79% stiffer than the Civic EX Sedan. Stiffer rear compliance bushings, upper arms and lower B-arms are also sourced from Type R. Steering feel is improved using a 60% stiffer torsion bar connecting the steering shaft to the steering rack pinion gear.
Civic Si features larger brakes than the standard Civic Sedan. Oversized 12.3-inch front rotors (+1.2-inches vs. Sedan), and 11.1-inch rear rotors (+0.9-inch vs. Sedan) are standard along with 235/40R18 all-season performance tires. Summer tires will be available as a factory option.
In addition to Normal and Sport driving modes, Si’s updated Drive Mode system now features an Individual mode that allows the driver to individually select engine response, steering effort and instrument panel display color parameters for a customized driving experience. Sport mode adds throttle response, decreases steering assist, deactivates the idle stop system, allows drivers to select rev match on or off and changes the instrument accent lighting from white to red.
The Civic Si’s new upper front bumper design is more aggressive and its rear bumper has been reshaped to reveal two large oval exhaust tips. A front spoiler is hidden under the vehicle and a gloss black rear spoiler mounted atop the trunk lid add downforce to improve high-speed stability. Si also features gloss black trim on the exterior mirrors and window surrounds. LED headlights and taillights are standard. Standard 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels are finished in Si-specific matte black, and a new Si-exclusive Blazing Orange Pearl paint color is available.
The Civic Si’s driver-focused cabin features new Si-exclusive body stabilizing sport seats with built-in head restraints and more prominent shoulder and lower thigh side supports. The lower cushion has been raised by 0.5-inch at the front.
Si features sport pedals and red contrast stitching on the doors, steering wheel, center armrest, shift boot and shift knob. Si-specific red trim dresses the Civic’s metal honeycomb dash panel, which visually conceals the air vents.
The Civic Si ever features a new 7-inch color instrument display with a digital tachometer on the left side, a multi-information display in the center and a physical speedometer dial. A 9-inch HD color touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are also standard along with the new 12-speaker Bose premium sound system.
Outward visibility is enhanced by the Si’s pulled-back A-pillars, low hood, flat dashboard, low cowl and door-mounted outside mirrors, all design traits shared with the rest of the Civic lineup.
