Honda has revealed the 2022 Civic Si, which it calls the best-handling, best-equipped, and most fun-to-drive Civic Si ever. The latest hot Civic is powered by an updated 1.5-liter engine and comes exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, featuring the same rev-matching technology as found in the Type R. Honda hopes that enthusiasts will look past the fact that the new Civic Si makes 200 hp, instead of the outgoing model‘s 205 hp and no more torque (both make 260 Nm of torque). What the car lacks in peak power, it makes up for in better power delivery, always according to the carmaker.

Peak torque comes in 300 rpm sooner than it did previously, which Honda says allows it to launch better. At the top of the rev range, meanwhile, the engine maintains more of its power between 6,000 rpm and its 6,500 rpm redline than it did before, giving you more of the rev range to play with. The engine also has a snappier response thanks to its new flywheel that weighs 26 percent less than that in the previous Si. It will also sound better thanks to a dual-coil silencer exhaust system that increases gas flow by 27 percent (compared to the Civic Touring). Active sound will also play artificial sounds inside the cabin.

 

You’ll be able to catch those speedy revs thanks to a new six-speed manual transmission, featuring a stiffer shifter with 10 percent shorter throws. The manual transmission, the only option available to the Si, now comes with the Civic Type R‘s rev-matching system, which responds in 430 m/s in sport mode to help you drive as smoothly as possible. The 2022 Civic Si benefits from a new body with 8 percent more torsional rigidity and 13 percent more bending rigidity than the outgoing model. That is more impressive if you consider that it also gets a half-an-inch (12.7mm) wider rear track for stability and a 1.4-inch (35.5 mm) longer wheelbase for a smoother ride.

The suspension, too, has been optimized with front springs that are eight percent stiffer and rear springs are 54 percent stiffer than they are on a standard 2022 Civic. The dampers, meanwhile, have been tuned specifically for the Si and the front MacPherson struts reinforced at the upper mount to handle increased cornering loads. Thicker stabilizer bars at the front and rear also help minimize body roll. To improve stability, the front compliance bushings, borrowed from the Civic Type R, are 79 percent stiffer than the Civic EX sedan. The rear compliance bushings, upper arms, and lower B-arms are also all sourced from the Type R. Steering feel, meanwhile, is improved thanks to a 60 percent stiffer torsion bar connecting the steering shaft to the pinion gear. To help bring it all to a stop, the Si gets bigger brakes, with 12.3-inch rotors at the front and 11.1-inch rotors at the back (1.2-inches and 0.9-inches larger, respectively). These are helped by standard 235/40R18 all-season performance tires, though summer tires are also available as a factory option.

 

Outside, the Si gets a few choice modifications over the standard sedan. The upper front bumper is more aggressive, while the rear bumper has been modified to allow for the Si’s two exhaust tips. A front spoiler, hidden under the vehicle and a gloss black rear spoiler mounted on top of the trunk lid add downforce to improve high-speed stability, while gloss black trim on the mirror caps just make it look better. LED headlights and taillights are standard, as are 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels finished in Si-specific matte-black paint. Blazing Orange, the color seen here, is also an Si-exclusive color for 2022.

Inside, the front occupants are greeted by Si-exclusive sports seats with built-in head restraints and more prominent shoulder and thigh supports. The lower cushion has been raised by 0.5-inches at the front, providing better support. The new Civic Si also gets sport pedals and red contrast stitching on the doors, the steering wheel, the center armrest, the shift boot, and the shift knob. A seven-inch color instrument display with a digital tach on the left side helps give the driver all the information they need, while a nine-inch color touchscreen has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system helps ensure that if you do choose to listen to something other than the exhaust note, it will also sound excellent.

Although the price of the 2022 Honda Civic Si has not yet been revealed, the automaker plans to have it dealerships before the end of the year, so pricing information should follow soon.