The 2022 Honda Civic Si is heavier, less powerful, and slower than the car it replaces. It’s also more expensive and missing features that used to come standard. And yet, as explained in this video, we think it’s remarkable that this sub-$30,000, turbocharged, stick-shift sedan still exists at all.
With the number of vehicles that offer a manual transmission dwindling, you must appreciate that the Si comes only with a stick shift. And what becomes immediately clear after a few miles is that someone on the development team cared about its weighting and shift action. It’s a great gearbox.
As we reported in our instrumented road test, the Civic Si remains an inexpensive sedan that’s easy to live with and pleasurable to drive. The interior is attractive and decently sized, which producer/editor Alexander Malburg demonstrates in this video from the back seat. Even the fuel economy is strong, at 31 mpg combined.
What about the slower performance? As our test data shows, the differences are minor. For example, the 2022 Civic Si’s rolling start, 5–60 mph acceleration test result matched that from the last generation, so you don’t notice a change in real-world driving. On the other hand, you will notice the absence of heated seats come winter.
Our only real complaint is one that also was true of the previous-generation Si: During a high-rpm, wide-open-throttle upshift, the engine speed flares and hangs while you’re changing gears. You either have to wait for the engine speed to fall to shift smoothly or accept a clunky gear change when you reengage the clutch. This trait becomes especially apparent in contrast with how nice the shifter feels.
Overall, the Civic Si makes for an excellent and affordable family commuter. It’s why we named it a 2022 Editors’ Choice in the sport compact car category. And we remain eager to see what Honda has in store for the next-generation Type R.
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Source: Reviews - aranddriver.com
