Advertisement

Tested: 2020 Honda Civic Si Weeds Out the Poseurs

Photo credit: Michael Simari - Car and Driver
Photo credit: Michael Simari - Car and Driver

From Car and Driver

For enthusiasts on a budget, the Honda Civic Si offers a whole lot of car for $26,155. We say "enthusiasts" because typical car shoppers won't know what to do with the six-speed manual that comes on every Si. A manual-only car is a litmus test of sorts for car folks; three pedals weed out the poseurs.

On the Civic spectrum, the Si aligns more closely with the base Civic than it does the wild Type R that occupies the lunatic fringe. Unlike the Type R, the Si uses a high-output version of the regular Civic's turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four. For the money, we're more than delighted with this 205-hp engine and the slick shifts of the manual gearbox.

Now in the middle of its life cycle, the Civic Si gets a few cosmetic alterations for 2020. Honda reworked the bumpers, added LED headlights as standard equipment, and threw on a set of aggressively styled 18-inch wheels. The coupe model makes an even stronger statement with its wing. We'll take the sedan's subtlety.

Photo credit: Michael Simari - Car and Driver
Photo credit: Michael Simari - Car and Driver

Tested here in sedan form with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 summer tires—a $200 upgrade from the standard all-seasons—the Si circles the skidpad at a remarkable and easily approached 0.97 g. Honda gave the 2020 model a slightly shorter final-drive ratio to liven up low-speed acceleration, but even with the revised gearing the new Si is 0.2 second slower than the quickest Si we've tested, a 2017 Si coupe. Unfortunately, the engine's tendency to hang onto revs when you push in the clutch or shift gears remains.

The sticky tires play well with the chassis tuning, and the Si enjoys sharp turn-in and enough stick that you're rarely wanting more grip on the street. The standard limited-slip diff works without a fuss, and we love the Si's steering, its initial heft and smooth predictability when you begin to move off-center. The overall balance and security of the Civic's platform—one of the best front-wheel-drive chassis on the market—means it's easy to find a fast rhythm on a curvy road.

Photo credit: Michael Simari - Car and Driver
Photo credit: Michael Simari - Car and Driver

Honda has increased the appeal of the Si's overall package in recent years by adding more features. The list of standard equipment is generous, including heated seats, adaptive cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone-mirroring software, and a sunroof. Combine all that with a spacious package and impressive fuel efficiency and we're left wondering what more you could possibly want in a small sporty sedan—and don't you dare say an automatic.

You Might Also Like