By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 2, 2020) We last drove the Honda Civic Si three years ago in a coupe version that the Japanese automaker brought back for 2017. The new model was lighter, stiffer, faster and better equipped than ever before. Available in both a coupe and sedan, the Si adds distinctive and unique features to the exterior, interior and under the hood. Si is on a very short list of cars that are both affordable and truly fun to drive.

Now for 2020, we once again get behind the wheel of the sporty Si, this time in a sedan version that was updated last year. While the changes did not include any styling updates, there are a number of welcome improvements, including a volume knob for the infotainment system. I know, seems like petty and trivial, but trust me on this, the lack of a volume knob was an absolute pain in the keister.

Honda also added physical knobs for the HVAC fan and improved the steering wheel controls, making them more intuitive. Optional equipment for the Si includes 18- or 19-inch wheels, high performance summer tires, and a factory performance suspension package. The Si only comes with a manual transmission.



Also for 2020, the Si receives minor revised styling to the lower bumper fog light housings, which now feature gloss black surrounding trim and a body-color crossbar. The Honda-signature "wing" grille crossbar is also updated, and the headlights for Si coupe and sedan are now multi-element LED lamps with a wider and longer light beam. Civic Si also receives new LED fog lights. In the rear, Si sedan gets a new lower bumper treatment to match the new front design, with gloss black surrounding trim and a body-color crossbars. All Civic Si models now ride on new matte black 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-season performance tires.

Inside, both Civic Si Coupe and Sedan feature updated sport seats with red accents on the seat bottom and seat back. Also, new red trim highlights the instrument panel, however, most of the standard-issue Civic trim remains.

The Si includes heavily bolstered heated front seats with red stitching, and an embossed “Si” logo on the upper seat backs. The red stitching carries through to the doors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and shift boot. Materials look and feel premium.

Believe me I love the thrill of driving those cars with 500 to 700 license-losing horsepower. But the Si’s 205 horsepower is enough, especially because the car weighs only 2,800 lbs. The car is just quick.

In the Civic’s 44-year history, this is its 10th remake. The lineup features more than 20 different variants. The Si is differentiated by glossy black “solid wing” grille with larger lower air intakes, a rear-deck spoiler, and a central-mounted exhaust pipe. 18-inch split five-spoke alloy wheels with 235-series low-profile tires complete the exterior look. Our test Si was finished in an attention getting Rallye Red paint; it’s the color I would definitely choose.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s similar to the engine used in other Honda Civics, with 174-horsepower. But the Si’s horsepower jumps to 205 thanks to a larger turbocharger, increased intake and exhaust flow. The Si is only available in with a six-speed manual transmission that shifts smoothly with quick short throws.

As expected with sporty cars of this nature, the steering is on the firm side. But it didn’t give as much feedback as I would have liked or expected. The suspension was a disappointment, however. The ride is very firm, and you’ll feel every bump and road imperfection. Summer tires are available as a $200 option; that should improve the ride.

Handling is predictable with a noticeable tendency for the Si to understeer in tight corners. No surprise for front-wheel drive cars. Additionally, the clutch pedal is too light with a vague engagement point, making it difficult to make smooth shifts without a herky-jerky sensation. Quite annoying actually.

Two driving modes are offered: normal and sport. The latter fine tunes the power steering, throttle response, and stability control thresholds and stiffens the adaptive dampers. Sport mode is turned on or off from a button near the center-console-mounted gearshift.

Si proves that you don’t need massive horsepower and foot-wide tires to have exhilarating driving dynamics, let alone tireless fun behind the wheel.

For the 2020 model year, Civic Si Sedan and Coupe models feature the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies as standard equipment. Honda Sensing includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system incorporating forward collision warning, lane keeping assist system, and road departure mitigation incorporating lane departure warning. Additionally, all Honda Civic models receive automatic high beams as part of the Honda Sensing package.

LaneWatch (a passenger-side mirror-mounted camera actuated with the right-turn signal) is standard. Also standard are a rearview camera, auto up/down front windows, and cruise control.

The 2020 Honda Civic Si also features a long list of standard active and passive safety features, including vehicle stability assist with traction control, driver and passenger front and side airbags, side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, electronic brake distribution, brake assist and Honda's next-generation advanced compatibility engineering body structure.

A weeklong loan of the Si left us wanting more drive time. In blending aggressive styling, performance, and an agile drive quotient with affordability, Honda scores a winning combination. It looks great and is more than fun to drive. If you’re looking for a sporty car on a budget, we think the Si is a worthy choice. Of course, you will have to know how to drive a manual shift transmission.

Overall, the Honda Civic is the second best-selling automobile in the U.S. behind the Toyota Camry. Even with the massive popularity of crossover utility vehicles, the Honda Civic remained flat last year while almost every other coupe and sedan automobile saw declining sales.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $25,200
Price as Tested: $26,155
Seating: 5
Engine: 1.5-Liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 205
Transmission: 6-Speed manual
Fuel Economy: 29/37/32 mpg City/Highway/Combined

Where Built:
The Civic is built in the United States, Japan, and Mexico

Competes With:
Hyundai Veloster N
Mazda3
Mini Cooper Clubman
Subaru WRX
Volkswagen Golf GTI

Fab Features:
Extra horsepower and a slick 6-speed shifter
Attractive cabin
Lively handling