2022 Honda Civic Si Makes Less Power Than Before

There aren’t many affordable performance cars on the market anymore, but Honda’s looking to keep the segment alive with the 2022 Civic Si. As one would expect, the Civic Si arrives with the same overall improvements as the 11th-gen model that came out earlier this year. Power continues to come from a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. While the Civic Si follows the same formula as the outgoing model, Honda’s made some changes to the 2022 model that should make the vehicle more enjoyable to drive.

From last year, the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder is rated at 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. While the engine makes five less horsepower than before, Honda claims the engine’s power band is wider than before and doesn’t make its peak horsepower until higher up the rev range. The engine has been fitted with a single-mass flywheel that’s 26% lighter than the dual-mass version on last year’s model. The lighter flywheel should give the Civic Si an improved throttle response. The engine breathes through a new exhaust system that we hope makes the engine sound better than last year.

The six-speed manual transmission has been updated, as well. Honda states that it has improved shift feel and shortened the throws by 10%. The improved feel comes by borrowing parts from the Civic Type R, like the lever mounting bracket and leather-wrapped aluminum shifts nob. The new Civic Si allows borrows the rev-matching system from the Type R. Having used the system, I can say that it’s excellent for drivers that aren’t interested in completing heel-and-toe downshifts.

When it comes to handling, the new Civic Si should be sharper than before thanks to all of the changes that Honda made. The body is stiffer than before, while the wider track and longer wheelbase should improve stability. The 2022 Civic Si also features stiffer spring rates, new dampers, thicker stabilizer bars, and improved bushings. Larger brakes, 18-inch tires, and available summer tires will also improve the Civic Si’s capabilities.

Compared to the competition, the Civic Si is down on power. The Subaru WRX comes with a 271-hp engine, Volkswagen Golf GTI is rated at 241 hp, Hyundai Elantra N produces 276 hp, and Volkswagen Jetta GLI has a 228-hp engine. Against that lineup, the Civic Si looks like it’s in need of more power. But the Civic Si has always been a model that puts handling above outright horsepower. The changes that Honda made make the vehicle sound like it will be even more enjoyable to drive, which is the whole purpose of the vehicle. Plus, we expect the Civic Si to be slightly more affordable than these options and the upcoming Type R should be a better match for consumers looking for more power.

Pricing for the 2022 Honda Civic Si hasn’t been announced yet, but we think it will cost slightly more than the previous model that started at just over $26,000. The Civic Si should arrive at dealerships before the end of this year.

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Pictured: 2022 Honda Civic Si