In-Depth Automotive Reviews
2023 Honda Civic SI
Starting from CAD $37,094
While the SI may not be the fastest compared to its rivals, it undeniably delivers a fun driving experience. Good performance, sleek style, and exceptional handling are just some of the characteristics that make this car fun. The SI is ideal for daily driving thanks to its superb manual transmission, impressive interior quality, and an abundance of advanced safety features that will make your daily commute less boring.
If you are shopping for a fun daily driver but prioritize fuel economy, the SI should be at the top of your list.
Performance & Handling
The Civic SI combines the best of both worlds: performance and practicality. Powering the SI is a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 192 lb.-ft. of torque, which, while not necessarily impressive, gets the job done. During our tests, it took 6.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill, which is a slower time compared to most rivals in this segment. This is probably the only area where the SI is somewhat of a letdown. If you are after something quicker, then you might need to pass on this. Nevertheless, the SI has a pleasing exhaust note and delivers an overall decent sound.
The SI only comes with a manual transmission as of right now, which is great considering most automakers are leaving manuals behind. The short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox is one of the best aspects of the SI, it’s smooth, and quick and also comes with a rev-match feature.
When it comes to handling, this is where the SI truly excels. Its performance around curves is impressive, offering a decent amount of feedback. The steering feels light yet precise, making the car a joy to drive through corners. Additionally, the tires contribute to the car’s road grip, enhancing overall stability.
Technology & Connectivity
The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system sits high on the dashboard, right within the line of sight. The infotainment is easy to use, and the touch screen is quick to respond to your input. Furthermore, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto come standard. While it functions effectively, there is a slight delay in certain situations, such as when changing your song. Additionally, the 10.2” digital speedometer enhances the interior and offers a good amount of customization with two different gauge designs: round and bar.
Honda is great at including their suite of safety systems across their lineup. One notable feature is the adaptive cruise control, which is a great offering considering the SI has a manual transmission. However, it doesn’t work in stop-and-go traffic, which makes sense because it would likely stall if it came to a stop without the clutch engaged. All the other safety systems work well. The SI comes with the following:
- Lane Keeping Assist System
- Forward Collision Warning System
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Lane Departure Warning System
- Road Departure Mitigation System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
Interior & Comfort
The cabin doesn’t just look impressive; it’s also quite spacious, which adds to the overall practicality of this sporty sedan. Similar to the standard Civic, the interior has a well-thought-out design. All the controls are conveniently positioned and user-friendly. A standout part of the interior is the exclusive sports seats, equipped with additional bolstering, SI logos on the headrests, and red stitching that sets it apart from the regular Civic. This distinctive red stitching is also present throughout the cabin, adorning the doors, steering wheel, and various interior surfaces.
We found the SI’s suspension to be a bit firmer than the regular Civic’s. However, it still does a pretty good job of providing a smooth ride experience. The front exclusive sports seats offer comfortable padding and good lateral support, without feeling overly restrictive. These seats lack adjustable lumbar support and will not be a perfect fit for everyone. We highly recommend that you spend some time in the SI to see if they are a good fit for you. Moving on, like the regular Civic, there is some road noise at highway speeds. However, it’s never too much and you can use the available bose speakers to drown out the noise.
Finally, thanks to physical buttons, the dual-zone climate control system is easy to operate, and it comes with heated seats for added comfort.
Cargo Space & Storage
The Civic SI offers 419 L of trunk space, making it a practical sports sedan that combines the best of both worlds. Additionally, the rear seats can be folded down to accommodate longer objects.
Inside the SI, you’ll find ample space to keep your belongings organized. If you’re upgrading to this model from the older generation Civic, you’ll notice that Honda opted for a more traditional interior layout, which isn’t as versatile as the older model. While this change isn’t necessarily negative, it’s something to be aware of. Finally, thanks to a wireless charging pad and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can maintain a clutter-free cabin.
Fuel Economy
The 2023 Honda Civic SI is rated at 8.7/6.4/7.7 L/100km (City/Hwy/Combined). In our testing, we averaged 8.8 L/100km combined.
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