FYI: Honda Revamps the Civic Si for 2025 with Enhanced Features and a Timeless Manual Transmission
The 2025 Honda Civic Si gets a refreshed look and technology upgrades while holding firm on its commitment to the pure enjoyment of driving – offered solely with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Bold New Design Choices
Honda has tweaked the Civic Si’s styling for 2025, featuring a more pronounced front fascia and new matte-black 18-inch wheels. The taillights now feature a darker tint, adding a touch of sophistication missing in the Type R’s aggressive design. Though Honda describes the new Civic Si colors as sporty, the lineup mainly consists of black, white, and gray. However, the Rallye Red option stands out as the most exciting choice.
Understated Luxury Inside
Inside, the Civic Si embraces a refined aesthetic with soft-touch materials and physical HVAC controls. Red stitching and trim add a sporty flair, complemented by red and black seats with integrated headrests. Honda has added heating elements to the seats, featuring three levels of warmth for the ultimate comfort. The upgraded 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9.0-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in offer comprehensive control over settings and seamless smartphone integration.
Engaging Driving Experience
The heart of the Civic Si’s allure is its manual transmission, which connects the driver intimately with the road. With a 1.5-liter turbo-4 engine producing 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque, it’s not just about power – it’s about engagement. The Civic Si offers adaptive cruise control, smoother lane assist, and advanced emergency braking capable of detecting motorcycles and pedestrians. These advanced safety features make this sporty vehicle suitable even for urban commuting.
Performance and Handling
On Tennessee’s picturesque Natchez Trace Parkway, the Civic Si shows off its capabilities. With its 200 hp engine, front-wheel drive layout, and Sport mode, it’s easy to push the Civic Si to its limits. The 6-speed manual’s rev-matching feature offers a seamless downshifting experience, especially useful in traffic. Although it lacks adaptive dampers, the ride is composed and enjoyable.
Competitive Fuel Economy
The 2025 Honda Civic Si impresses with an EPA rating of 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. This is competitive against other compact sporty cars like the Mazda3 hatchback, Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and Kia Forte.
Pricing and Competitors
Starting at $31,045, including a $1,095 destination charge, the Civic Si is among the pricier options in its category but offers considerable value with its performance and fuel economy. Optional summer performance tires can be added for an additional $300. Direct competitors, like the Volkswagen Jetta GLI and Kia Forte, offer similar power and features at slightly lower prices, while the Mazda3 hatchback is marginally more expensive.
Final Thoughts
While the Civic Si’s front-wheel-drive setup might not appeal to everyone, its balance of power, efficiency, and enjoyment makes it a compelling choice. Enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the Civic Si for its driver-centric features and manual transmission, keeping it a favorite in the compact sporty car market. However, for those considering the Google built-in feature, the cost post-trial period might be a deciding factor against its relatively limited functionality compared to free Apple CarPlay.
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or follow us on Twitter @automotivefyi.
Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
