The 11th generation Honda Civic Si gets some nice Type R parts to make it faster.
The Honda Civic Si has long been a performance icon for the US market, where the Type R has long been absent except in the outgoing 10th generation. Now, the 11th generation Civic Si has been revealed. Unlike the Type R, which is based on the 5-door hatchback body, the Civic Si is built on the bones of the 4-door sedan and isn’t quite as dynamic. It lacks the 2.0L turbo motor and the additional chassis rigidity that the Type R gets, but is still plenty peppy in its own right.
The 11th generation Civic Si brings an updated manual transmission which now has the same rev-matching system as the Type R. This transmission now features 10% shorter throws too. The mounting bracket for the shift lever is more rigid than before and the shift knob is now leather-wrapped. Motivating the Civic Si is a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, but with broader power curves and a 26% lighter flywheel than the last Si’s motor.
This motor produces 200hp at 6,000rpm and can stay in this powerband until its 6,500rpm redline. Its maximum torque of 260Nm comes in as low as 1,800rpm – 300rpm sooner than before. Power is sent to the front wheels via a helical limited-slip differential.
The exhaust system uses a new dual-coil silencer system for 27% more exhaust flow versus standard 11th generation Civics with the same engine. The Si model also employs improved Active Sound Control to bring out higher-quality engine and exhaust notes throughout the rev range.
The new Civic Si also features a retuned suspension setup, with a 60% stiffer steering system torsion bar connecting the steering shaft to the steering rack pinion gear. Overall torsional rigidity is up by 8% and bending rigidity is up by 13% versus the last Civic Si. Front compliance bushings from the Civic Type R are used here, as are stiffer rear compliance bushings, upper arms and lower B-arms from the Type R. The Drive Mode system has an Individual mode for customised settings and the interior gets sports seats.
This Civic Si gets larger brakes than the standard Civic Sedan. 12.3-inch front rotors and 11.1-inch rear rotors with 235/40R18 all-season performance tires.
In terms of styling, the 11th generation Honda Civic Si is distinguished by a vibrant, new Blazing Orange Pearl exterior colour that no other variant receives. There are also sporty design cues that add to the sporty character of the Si. This includes a new upper front bumper design, rear bumper with 2 large oval exhaust tips, a hidden front spoiler and a gloss black rear spoiler on top of the trunk lid, black trim on the mirrors and window surrounds. Standard wheels are 10-spoke alloys in matte black in 18″.
Inside, besides the new sport seats, this model also gets red accents and red contrast stitching. Embroidered Si logos are to be expected as well.
Equipment-wise, the Civic Si is packed to the brim. It gets a 9″ colour touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, as well as a Bose Centrepoint 2 sound system.
Here are some key specifications.
Civic Si Key Specifications and Features
ENGINEERING | |
Engine Type | 16-Valve DOHC VTEC® In-Line 4-Cylinder with Turbocharger |
Displacement | 1,498 cc |
Horsepower (SAE net) | 200 @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque (SAE net) | 192 lb.-ft. @ 1,800-5,000 rpm |
Engine RPM Redline | 6,500 rpm |
3-Mode Drive System (Normal / Sport / Individual) | Standard |
Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
Final Drive Type | Helical Limited-Slip |
EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (City/Highway/Combined) | 27 / 37 / 31 |
Suspension | MacPherson Strut Front / Multi-Link Rear |
Wheels | 18-in. Matte Black alloys |
Standard Tires | 235/40R18 (all-season) |
Optional Tires | 235/40R18 (summer) |
EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS | |
Wheelbase | 107.7 in. |
Length | 184.0 in. |
Height | 55.7 in. |
Width | 70.9 in. |
Track (front/rear) | 60.5 in. / 61.6 in. |
Curb Weight | 2,952 lbs. |
INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS | |
Headroom (front/rear) | 37.6 in. / 37.1 in. |
Legroom (front/rear) | 42.3 in. / 37.4 in. |
Shoulder Room (front/rear) | 57.0 in. / 56.0 in. |
Hip Room (front/rear) | 54.3 in. / 48.9 in. |
Cargo Volume | 14.4 cu.-ft. |
Passenger Volume | 96.6 cu.-ft. |
KEY FEATURES | |
200-Horsepower Turbocharged VTEC® 4-Cylinder Engine | |
6-Speed Manual Transmission with Rev-Matching | |
Sport-Tuned Suspension and Brakes | |
Individual Mode for Customized Driving Experience | |
Interior with Si-Specific Sport Seats, Red Accents | |
Honda Sensing® | |
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure | |
10 Airbags, Including Next-Generation Driver and Passenger Front Airbags | |
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ Integration | |
9-Inch HD Color Touchscreen with Volume Knob, Customizable Feature Settings and Smart Shortcuts | |
Bose Premium Sound System with 12 Speakers, including Subwoofer |