Is the all-new 2022 Honda Civic Si a reborn Type R sedan? – 200 PS, 260 Nm, 6-MT, rev-matching

While the world waits for the all-new Honda Civic Type R, North American buyers will be getting its subtler-looking sibling, the Civic Si later this year. Honda has unveiled what it has dubbed the “best-handling, best-equipped, and most fun-to-drive” Civic Si ever alongside a free mobile game.

But let’s put aside the mobile game because all eyes are on this all-new Civic Si which is only available as a sedan after Honda stopped continuing the coupe’s production on the 11th-gen Civic aka the FE.

Powering the sports sedan is an updated turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC engine with broader power curves and a lighter flywheel for quicker response and improved drivability. Power output for the turbocharged unit is 200 PS and 260 Nm.

The Civic Si comes with an improved 6-speed manual transmission with improved shift feel and 10% shorter throws. The sports sedan comes with a few features taken from the Civic Type R including the leather-wrapped aluminium shift knob and a rev-matching system that “blips” the throttle when it detects a downshift with quick and precise matching revs.

Also read: Here's why the manual transmission still matters

Besides, the all-new Si also comes with a retuned suspension that improves ride quality and gives sharper handling. This is thanks to the front and rear compliance bushings that are also taken from the Civic Type R.

Despite all these enhanced performance bits, the all-new Civic Si does not look too boy-racer on the outside.

In fact, the visual enhancements are quite subtle with a more aggressive front bumper, a revised rear bumper that reveals the large exhaust tips, and a gloss black rear spoiler on the boot.

Inside, the Si features sport pedals, Si-exclusive sport seats with improved thigh support as well as red stitching and trims throughout.

It also comes with a 9-inch infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration along with a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. That sound system is the best factory audio system ever offered on the Civic Si, something that might be appreciated by audiophiles who enjoy a bit of speed as well.

Also read: Top 5 best-sounding in-car audio system we’ve tested

Aside from these enhancements, the all-new Civic Si is similarly equipped with the top-of-the-line Civic variants in North America. That includes the Honda Sensing ADAS suite which comes as standard on the Si.

Also read: Honda Sensing: all-new 2022 Civic FE is better than Civic FC because of this

The Si is produced at Honda’s plant in Ontario, Canada alongside the rest of the North American-spec Honda Civic. The Si is exclusive to this market so it is unlikely to make it into Malaysia. If you want a performance-oriented Civic from the factory in this part of the world, the Type R is the only choice.

Also read: Next-gen Honda Civic Type R teased ahead of 2022 launch, reveals cute easter egg

As for the upcoming Civic FE’s Malaysian launch, expect that to be delayed to 2022 due to the months-long lockdown that affected the country. It is currently available in Thailand and Singapore with Indonesia likely to follow suit.

Also read: Delays for Civic, but Honda City Hatchback still on track for Malaysia launch this year