The back story!
It was 40 years ago that the Si was introduced to the Honda lineup for the Japanese Domestic Market third-generation Civic. The following year, in 1985, the U.S. began leaving its mark with the hopped-up Si trim as a 910hp SOHC EW3 1.5-liter four-cylinder powered Honda Civic CRX Si. Since that time, the Si badge has appeared on almost all generations of the Civic, with variants distinguished from the base model by their performance-inclined mechanical underpinnings and overall look.
Fast forward to its 11th generation of the Civic nameplate, and the Si trim sits somewhat in the middle of the family, between the base model and the FL5 Type R. Following its debut in 2022, Honda has now taken the sporty Si model and elevated it even further, presenting a visual update and a clear increase in performance, resulting in this vehicle being more competent than ever across the lineup.
All it offers!
Starting at $29,950, the new Si is presented with a fully digital instrument cluster with integrated LED Shift Light Indicator. When this 11-th generation model debuted, the LX, Sport and EX grades had a seven-inch color TFT display serving as its instrument cluster, consisting of a physical tachometer with a multi-information display in between. Only the range-topping Touring grade was the only Civic derivative to boast a fully digital instrument cluster, with the digital display having the ability to be fully customized from the steering wheel.
For 2025, the Si gains an LED Shift Light Indicator, although different from the Type R, which is accompanied by a distinctive beep. According to Honda, the Si-specific setup has been implemented to better support performance driving.
This new model also presents an increase in Torsional Rigidity with dampers to match. Prior to this the Civic Si had been considered the most rigid in its four-decade history. As a result, an 8 percent increase in torsional rigidity and a 13 percent increase in bending rigidity were the biggest selling points of the new Si compared to the outgoing model.
The 2025 model builds greatly in the area of improvements when it comes to comparing it to the 2022 model, claiming and earning the title of the “most rigid Civic Si ever.” That is due to lower B-pillars and rear door sill supports, proposed to increase torsional and bending rigidity. Honda has also tuned the suspension dampers in this new model year, retained from the outgoing Si and in response to the increase in body stiffness.
Performance was enhanced via the 200 hp/192 lb-ft 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine for the 2022 Civic Si, with Honda ditching the dual-mass flywheel in the 2025 model in favor of a single-mass flywheel. In the area of drawbacks by comparison, the dual mass flywheel is more prone to wear and tear due to difficulty with heat dissipation, and also more expensive to manufacture. Meanwhile, the single-mass flywheels are less complex and consist of a single flywheel connected to both the engine and clutch assembly. In addition, the 2025 model boasts better throttle response due to this swap.
Another key factor in performance enhancement for the Si in 2025 is its helical limited-slip differential, which utilizes angled gears to provide resistance against movement between two wheels, or in the case of the Civic Si, its front wheels. This feature not only aids in steering precision, but can help with allowing for acceleration in a corner sooner than in a car without this feature.
It is important to note that the Civic Si is the only car in its class made available exclusively with a manual transmission, making this fun-to-drive vehicle even more enjoyable!
Planned to go on sale in early August with a starting price of just under $30,000, “the best only gets better,” Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales, American Motor Co., said. “Civic Si is a performance icon in the sports compact segment, and the 2025 Civic Si continues that legacy as the most fun-to-drive Si ever offered to our customers.”
An excellent power-to-weight ratio on top of a total refresh, and this Si is your next true performance sedan.
Its look!
In the area of design, this vehicle is purely exhilarating! With a more aggressive front fascia, new hex-pattern grille, and revised taillights with a darker appearance, the refresh is where it’s at! There are also redesigned Si-specific V-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels finished in matte black, furthering the sporty look and feel.
Sports seats within are heated, and there are built-in head restraints and prominent shoulder and lower thigh side supports. Other style cues include sports pedals and red contrast stitching on the doors, steering wheel, center armrest, shift boot and leather–wrapped aluminum shift knob. Racy red accents adorn the signature metal honeycomb dash trim and red stitched “Si” logos add extra style to the front seat backs. A moonroof is standard.
The Si is also presented with LED headlights and taillights as standard, as well as a sporty gloss black trim on its exterior mirrors and window surrounds. A front spoiler hidden underneath the vehicle and a gloss black rear spoiler mounted atop the trunk lid serve to add downforce, thus improving high-speed stability.
For the first time, the Si for 2025 will be offered in a classic Urban Gray Pearl, an extremely popular color linked to the brand and donning other Honda models such as the Accord and CR-V.
More intuitive technology which has been smartly integrated within is also presented with the Si, focusing on driver engagement and resulting in the most technologically advanced model ever. In addition to the sport sedan’s 9-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the Si gains the model’s first integration of Google built-in and new front USB-C ports, all presented as standard. There is also a new LED shift indicator light.
The 2025 model also represents the performance sedan’s first integration of Google built-in, which includes such apps as Google Assistant, Google Maps and more. Drivers also enjoy the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, presented as standard on all Civic models yet enhanced for the 2025 model year. That upgraded system includes numerous offerings, such as the Collision Mitigation Braking System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist System, Forward Collision Warning and much more.
With a clear visual update, more advanced technology and a commitment to all-out performance, the Civic Si for 2025 has it all! Since its introduction 40 years ago to today, this sports sedan is a fan favorite. All scaled up and ready to go – reserve yours today!