Test drive | Honda Civic Si: the last bastion

What remains of these sparkling compacts with manual transmissions that once motivated many young people to work summers and weekends in the hope of one day getting behind the wheel? There is reason to question this, as the hegemony of the SUV and the rise in power of electrified models define the ranges and, thereby, inflate prices while driving out these mechanical boxes. A handful of heirs are nevertheless resisting this swell, including the essential Civic Si retouched for 2025.

Its design

It's not easy to take a Civic Si, now almost 40 years old, through the ages. This is nevertheless what Honda succeeds in doing with relentless consistency. Stylistically, the spicy compact still cultivates this moderation which has characterized most of the creations of its long lineage. The two-piece hexagonal patterned grille and redesigned 18-inch wheels discreetly showcase the model's sporty bent in conjunction with the glossy rear spoiler. In addition to this, we also note the two exhaust pipes and the “Si” badges which label the sedan in bright red. There is therefore a maturity to this design based on the 11^e generation of the model that some will appreciate. Others may find it a little too generic.

On board

Offered only with a four-door body, the compact takes advantage of its footprint which has grown significantly over the years. It also benefits from a wheelbase as long as that of a 20-year-old Honda Accord. The cabin volume can therefore meet family needs with welcoming rear seats and a spacious 408 L trunk with a large opening. But this Civic Si stands out above all for the sum of details that make up its outposts. Its dashboard manages to brilliantly balance the physical keys with the digital supports broadcast on a readable instrumentation screen that is just configurable enough to avoid getting lost. At the same time, the touch screen is not too massive and set at a good height. Solid, good quality materials complete this almost flawless performance.

Under the hood

The sedan here maintains an evolving posture. Its small 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder powers it for the second consecutive generation. It retains its 200 hp cavalry for 2025, a very modest power peak when compared to rivals. However, it is the consistency of its torque (192 lb-ft from 1800 rpm) that we appreciate, as well as the rather rapid rotation of the turbocharger. The manual gearbox draws praise for its concise throw, its narrow range of ratios and its staging allowing it to extract the available power well. The clutch pedal could nevertheless be firmer and more communicative. You therefore understand that it is not raw speed that we advocate here, but rather a pleasant mechanical experience, if not as vibrant as in the atmospheric golden age of the model.

Behind the wheel

The measured power of the small mill quickly fades into the background as soon as you taste the excellent chassis of the compact. Slightly reworked for 2025 to increase its resistance to bending and torsion, it also benefits from shock absorbers whose adjustments have been revised. Certainly, we cannot characterize the ride as being fluffy, but the firmness remains well regulated with consistency in the oscillation movements, which limits the spring effect which affects certain sports cars. The steering, for its part, is exceptionally precise and somewhat limits assistance in the manner of a Civic Type R to accentuate the nuances. The sedan is also very comfortable in curves thanks to its limited-slip front differential which redistributes torque evenly, a very valuable tool in winter.

Embedded technologies

The 2025 Civic Si benefits from the addition of a brand new Android-based multimedia system. Faster and with a more inviting presentation, it integrates Google applications to add features to which the Civic was not previously entitled. The very intuitive interface maintains the docking at the same time Apple CarPlay And Android Auto and relies on physical keys, including a volume control wheel, an approach that many rivals should take inspiration from. Active safety consists of adaptive cruise control, as well as emergency braking assistance with pedestrian detection and blind spot detection. The active lane keeping assist proved to be a little too active during the test, causing the vehicle to “bounce” a little too much between the lines drawn on the road surface of a highway.

Verdict

It is undeniable that the Civic Si displays a power deficit on paper compared to the Hyundai Elantra N and Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The Honda protege just has to make this war on power, a reasoning which may seem curious to some, but which values ​​a very pleasant homogeneity. Just like the Mazda MX-5 manages to do, this spicy compact manages to entertain without having to reach a speed that causes the suspension of a driver's license. What's more, the low fuel consumption of its small four-cylinder engine and the spaciousness of its interior make it a tailor-made vehicle for everyday use. At $35,800, it's difficult to find a compact that is so balanced and allows for such accomplished mechanical interaction thanks to that expensive manual transmission.