The Honda Civic Si has long been celebrated as a sweet spot for driving enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance and practicality. The latest iteration of the Civic Si is no exception, continuing this legacy. In this review, we delve into expert opinions from seasoned automotive journalists to provide a comprehensive look at what the 11th generation Honda Civic Si brings to the table. Drawing from their experiences, we’ll explore the nuances of this sporty compact car.
A Long-Time Fan’s Perspective
David S. Wallens, Editorial Director, brings a rich history with the Civic Si to his review, having owned multiple generations and even having project cars based on the model. His opening statement is clear: “I’d buy one. Like, take my money.” This strong endorsement stems from years of appreciating the core values of the Civic Si: fun, practicality, reliability, and reasonable pricing. Wallens highlights the versatility of the Si, noting its capability for autocrossing, track days, and daily commuting without sacrificing dependability. His personal experience with a 2014 Civic Si, which has only required basic maintenance, underscores this point.
Wallens sees the newest Civic Si as a refined evolution, comparing it to the progression from the eighth to the ninth generation. Key improvements that resonate with him are the more conventional dashboard design and side windows, addressing minor dislikes from previous generations. He also appreciates the lower ride height and reduced noise levels, enhancing the overall driving experience. While acknowledging a slight nostalgia for the VTEC engine, Wallens recognizes the benefits of the current turbo engine, particularly the increased torque. His experience with a 2019 Civic Si project car solidified his appreciation for Honda’s modern turbocharging approach. Ultimately, for Wallens, the latest Civic Si maintains the beloved characteristics of its predecessors while offering meaningful updates, making it a highly desirable option.
A More Cautious Take
Tom Suddard, Director of Marketing & Digital Assets, approaches the 11th generation Civic Si with a more measured perspective, informed by his experience reviewing the 10th generation model. Initially, Suddard admits to underestimating the previous generation, even suggesting the sedan over the coupe for practicality reasons in his earlier review. However, the 10th gen Civic Si’s subsequent success in SCCA Solo Nationals proved him wrong, highlighting its sleeper performance capabilities.
Suddard immediately praises the updated aesthetics of the 11th generation, finding it significantly more appealing than its predecessor, moving away from what he describes as “off-brand transformer styling.” He also commends the interior for its improved materials, standard sunroof, comfortable seats, and the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay. However, his critique centers on the driving experience, finding it somewhat “boring.” He notes the engine’s lack of excitement in the upper rev range and a flywheel that feels heavy, contributing to an overall impression of a slightly faster but still fundamentally normal Civic.
Despite this, Suddard acknowledges the Civic Si’s handling prowess. He describes a transformative experience when cornering, where the chassis feels agile and responsive, complemented by precise steering and an effective limited-slip differential. This highlights the Si’s inherent sporty DNA, even if the engine character doesn’t fully match the chassis’ capabilities for him. While recognizing its all-around competence and daily driver suitability, Suddard personally leans towards the more visceral experience of a 9th generation Civic Si with its high-revving VTEC engine, even if the newer model is objectively quicker.
Conclusion
The 2022 Honda Civic Si, based on these expert reviews, presents a compelling package. It retains the core strengths of the Civic Si lineage – practicality, reliability, and fun – while incorporating modern refinements in design, interior quality, and technology. While one reviewer wholeheartedly embraces it as an evolution and a must-buy, the other offers a more nuanced perspective, appreciating its handling and overall competence but finding the engine character slightly lacking in excitement. Ultimately, the Honda Civic Si remains a well-rounded sporty compact car, ideally suited for those seeking a capable and enjoyable daily driver with track day potential. Potential buyers should weigh the emphasis on modern turbocharged torque versus the classic VTEC experience to determine if the 11th generation Civic Si aligns with their personal preferences.
