First introduced in 1986, the Honda Civic Si has firmly established itself as a performance icon in the Honda lineup and the sport compact segment. With its affordable high-performance offerings, the Civic Si has been a favorite among driving enthusiasts for over four decades. Now, the all-new 2022 Honda Civic Si sets a new benchmark for sport compacts, combining power, agility, and precise handling to cater to the needs of a new generation of young enthusiast drivers.
A Racing Heritage
The Honda Civic Si has not only been a success on the streets but has also made a name for itself on the racetrack. It has claimed numerous victories in various forms of racing, including road courses, rally, land-speed, and drag racing. Its motorsport legacy includes countless class victories and championships in competitions such as the Continental Tire sports car competition, Pirelli World Challenge, and SCCA national championships, dating back to 1990.
1986-1987 Civic Si
The Civic Si made its debut in 1986 as a sporty upgrade to the earlier Civic S. It featured the first fuel-injected engine used in a Civic, generating 91 horsepower from a 1.5-liter SOHC inline-four engine with a 12-valve cross-flow head (D15A4). The Civic Si also boasted enhanced handling with a rear stabilizer bar, a feature not available on standard Civic hatchback models. In 1987, new color options, Blackburn Black Metallic and Rio Red, became available, both with black cloth interiors.
1989-1991 Civic Si
The Civic Si returned in 1989 on the fourth-generation Civic Hatchback. It came equipped with a 108-horsepower 1.6-liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine (D16A6) and featured all-new front and rear double wishbone suspension, along with an ultra-low hood line. In 1989, the Civic Si earned a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best list, the first of five such honors throughout its history. The 1990 model year brought slight design changes to all Civic models, including the Si. Notably, the 1991 Civic Si became available in Tahitian Green Pearl paint with a black cloth interior.
1992-1995 Civic Si
The third-generation Civic Si, built on the iconic fifth-generation Civic Hatchback, arrived in 1992. It featured a 125-horsepower 4-cylinder engine with VTEC on the intake cam (D16Z6) – the first use of VTEC in a Civic. Additionally, the Civic Si offered four-wheel disc brakes and standard power steering for the first time. Minor updates occurred throughout these years, including body-colored side mirrors in 1993 and standard dual front airbags for all 1994 model year Civic grades, including the Si.
1999-2000 Civic Si
The fourth-generation Civic Si, introduced in 1999, packed a punch with a 1.6-liter version of the legendary Honda B-Series DOHC VTEC 4-cylinder engine (B16A2). With 160 horsepower, it was the most potent Civic Si yet. The fourth-generation Si came with performance upgrades such as stiffer springs, stabilizer bars, a larger exhaust system, bigger four-wheel disc brakes, and a front strut-tower brace. Inside, the Si featured red-themed instruments and a sporty interior design.
2002-2005 Civic Si
In 2002, the Civic Si made a comeback as a hatchback, exclusively available in the U.S. market. It marked the first time the Civic Si was powered by Honda’s K-Series engine family. The 2002 Civic Si featured a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (K20A3) producing 160 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. It also introduced the “rally style” gear lever mounted on the dash, along with a Honda Factory Performance (HFP) kit.
2006-2011 Civic Si
The eighth-generation Civic Si, introduced in 2006, boasted a high-revving 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with i-VTEC (K20Z3), generating 197 horsepower. It also marked the first time the Civic Si was available in both coupe and sedan body styles within the same generation. The Si Coupe featured a standard limited-slip differential, while the Si Sedan became the more popular choice among buyers.
2012-2015 Civic Si
The ninth-generation Civic Si, introduced in 2012, featured an all-new 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine (K24Z7) with 201 horsepower. This marked the largest engine in the Civic Si’s history. The Si also offered a limited-slip differential as standard equipment. In 2013, both the Civic Si Coupe and Sedan received significant updates, including refreshed exterior styling and interior trim enhancements.
2017-2020 Civic Si
Built on the critically acclaimed 10th-generation Civic, the 2017 Civic Si featured a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (L15B7), producing 205 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque. It became the most powerful Civic Si at the time, thanks to engine turbocharging from the factory. The Si also came equipped with an adjustable suspension damper system, a limited-slip differential, and a sporty interior.
2022-Present Civic Si
The all-new 2022 Civic Si offers the most fun-to-drive experience yet. It features a 200-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev matching from the Civic Type R, and a limited-slip differential. The 2022 Si showcases an updated body structure for enhanced stiffness and a retuned suspension for even more responsive handling. Inside the cabin, it offers standard Bose premium audio, exclusive Body Stabilizing seats, and red accents.
Q: What is the history of the Honda Civic Si?
A: The Honda Civic Si was first introduced in 1986 and has since become a performance icon in the Honda lineup and the sport compact segment.
Q: What are the notable features of the 2022 Civic Si?
A: The 2022 Civic Si offers a 200-horsepower turbocharged engine, a 6-speed manual transmission with automatic rev matching, and a limited-slip differential. It also features an updated body structure, a retuned suspension, and a premium Bose audio system.
Q: How does the Civic Si perform on the racetrack?
A: The Civic Si has a rich racing heritage, with victories in various forms of racing, including road courses, rally, land-speed, and drag racing. It has achieved numerous class victories and championships over the years.
The Honda Civic Si has come a long way since its introduction in 1986. With each generation, it has continued to push the boundaries of performance and become a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The all-new 2022 Civic Si takes the legacy even further, offering unparalleled power, agility, and handling. Whether on the streets or the racetrack, the Civic Si continues to embody the spirit of high-performance and excitement. To stay up to date with the latest car news, visit Car news.