2022 Honda Civic Si debuts with turbo power, Type R rev-matching system

Last week, Honda teased the 2022 Honda Civic Si during race track tests. On October 19, the Japanese car brand finally launched the new model, and we now know more about its performance credentials. 

The 2022 Honda Civic Si

Consistent with previous reports, the new 2022 Civic Si uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 engine. It is capable of making up to 200 horsepower and up to 260 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a six-speed manual transmission. 

Besides being more powerful than previous versions of the Civic Si, this new iteration has a whole lot more to offer. Specifically, Honda says that it has better handling and responsiveness. For starters, it gets a lighter flywheel, while shift throws have been shortened. The wheelbase was also extended by over 35mm for a smoother ride. 

Other than that, this new version also features the stiffest chassis ever fitted to a Civic Si, offering an 8 percent increase in torsional rigidity. The suspension of the model now has stiffer spring rates, as much as 54 percent more stiffness in the rear when compared to the standard Honda Civic sedan. 

It also gets dual exhaust tips at the rear

Also notable is the presence of a helical limited-slip differential, as well as an Active Sound Control system which can enhance the engine notes of the new Civic Si. 

Beyond those, the new Civic Si also benefits from the Honda Civic Type R’s rev-matching system for the first time. With this technology, the new Civic Si can now “blip” the throttle automatically whenever you downshift. This provides perfect rev matching, which is essential on the track. For a better comparison in terms of price point, check out our list of Honda Civic Type R price Philippines.

Style-wise, this new version of the famed Civic trim still has the subdued and sleek looks of the standard 11th-generation Honda Civic sedan. But as a sportier variant, it also gets a more aggressive front bumper and front spoiler, as well as a rear spoiler. And no, the gigantic spoiler that we saw on the teaser photos didn’t make it to the production model. Nevertheless, all the Civic Si’s aerodynamic bits are functional, and it doesn’t have much in the way of faux vents as well. 

That's a stylish-looking interior on the new Civic Si 

Inside, occupants of the Honda Civic Si will be kept comfortable by sport seats that feature head restraints. The car also comes with a 9-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said head unit is then linked to a 12-piece Bose speaker system.  

For safety, the Civic Si comes standard with the Honda Sensing driver-assist suite. This means object detection, road sign detection, and blind-spot detection features. Besides those, it’s also kitted out with 10 airbags, part of a range of safety equipment that you’d expect from a modern car. 

With all that said, we doubt if Honda Philippines will be bringing in this sharper-handling, more high-tech, and more powerful version of the Civic for the local market. That’s because historically speaking, the Civic Si is not known for being released into the ASEAN market.  

The 2022 Civic Si's gear shifter, electronic parking brake switch, and drive mode selector

Then again, do remember an insider source did confirm that Honda PH will be bringing in the 11th-generation 2022 Honda Civic to the local market in November 2021.  

For the latest car releases, keep yourself updated here on Philkotse.