Fast, fun and powerful. Words hardly used to describe a Honda – unless that Honda has
the Si suffix attached to it. Si model Hondas have been around since the 1980’s and it has
been a long-time favorite of mine for decades. So, I was thrilled when Honda recently
dropped off a 2025 Civic Si for me to review recently.

Today’s Honda Civic, part of the 11th generation, came out in 2021 and immediately won
the 2022 North American Car of the Year award. Three years later it continues to rank as
one of the best out there – blending a great combination of practicality, performance and
value. Available as either a sedan or hatchback and in a variety of trim levels, it is that
special Si model that we will focus on here.

The Civic Si doesn’t get any extreme spoilers or wings (if that’s your thing, look no
further than the Civic Type-R) and it probably won’t impress your neighbors. But car
people will notice a more aggressive front bumper, exposed exhaust tips and a gloss-
black trunk-mounted spoiler. Gloss black trim also covers the mirrors and window
surrounds. Finally, the Civic Si is only available in sedan form.

Inside, changes are equally minor, with the biggest difference being with the Si’s seats.
They are well-bolstered and offer additional support along with integrated headrests. To
brighten up the cabin, red contrasting trim is used everywhere – including the door panels,
steering wheel, and shift boot. Even the honeycomb panel that spans across the dash is
outlined in red.

But the heart of the Si is what’s under the hood. Every Civic Si is powered by a 200-hp
(192 pound-feet of torque) turbocharged 1.5 liter four-cylinder. And that power is sent to
the front wheels by way of a six-speed manual gearbox. An automatic is not available on
the Si, so you either know how to drive a manual or you don’t drive an Si. On top of that,
the Si benefits from a limited-slip front differential that helps maximize traction during
hard acceleration.

Other Si enhancements include a sport suspension and larger brakes all around.

For 2025, the Civic Si gets the same upgrades as the rest of the Civic line, including
updated front and rear facias and new taillights. Inside, heated front seats are now
standard, as is a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster.

Get behind the wheel of this hot-rodded Civic and just like other Civic Si cars of the past,
you will never want to leave. The steering wheel and the shifter are perfectly placed with
gauges that are easy to see. And that shifter – using it is like using a ratchet – it just clicks
away into the gear you want. For those who have not perfected the heel-and-toe
technique, the Si gearbox now has a rev-match feature to handle it for you.

Being that the Si uses a small engine and a small turbo to make big power, there is some
slight turbo lag when the revs are low, meaning power isn’t always available when you
want it. But wait a fraction-of-a-second and you’ll feel the boost (and torque) kick in, and
the Si really opens up. With a fun power-to-weight ratio and eager chassis, the Civic Si is
a ton of fun to drive. Steering, shifting and braking are near perfect – you can practically
think your actions and the little Civic responds to them. Just how fast is the Civic Si?
Reports show it can do 0 -60 mph in just 6.7 seconds. And while it’s a blast to drive, the
Si still brings in impressive fuel-economy numbers: 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the
highway.

The Civic Si is easily one of the most enjoyable cars to drive, and being a Civic means
it’s also easy to live with. Interior ergonomics are excellent, there is plenty of room, it has
a large touchscreen, as well as a blind-spot monitoring system and an upgraded audio
system. Coming in with a base price tag right at the $30,000 mark (the tester has an
MSRP of $31,800 with options), the Honda Civic Si proves it offers a lot of bang for
little buck as well as transforming a mere commuter car into a fun-to-drive enthusiast’s
machine.
– Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2025 Honda Civic Si Sedan

Base Price:     $30,250.00
Price as Tested:    $31,800.00
Layout:         front-engine / front-wheel drive
     Engine:         1.5 liter DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission:       6-speed manual
Horsepower:     200 hp
Torque:         192 ft-lbs
     EPA Fuel Economy:   27 city / 37 highway mpg    

[Visit me at www.carsbycar.blogspot.com or email me at auto_cran@hotmail.com]