The 2020 Honda Civic Si coupe might look strikingly similar to the previous Civic Si coupe models, and in many ways, it is. Minor visual tweaks and subtle interior enhancements aside, the core essence of this beloved sport compact car remains unchanged. So why revisit it? Because Honda’s decision to discontinue the Civic coupe, including the Si variant, marks the end of an era. This news resonates deeply with enthusiasts, as it signals the departure of one of the most cherished sport compact cars on the market. For many, including myself, the Civic Si coupe represents a sweet spot of performance, practicality, and pure driving enjoyment that will be sorely missed.
A Storied Legacy: Remembering the Civic Coupe
Front three quarter view of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe showcasing its sporty design
It’s almost ironic that the 2020 model year, the final chapter for the Civic Si coupe, also brought with it a facelift. While the Civic Si sedan will thankfully continue, the absence of a coupe version in the next generation lineup will undoubtedly leave a void. The Civic coupe has always held a special place in the model range, often considered the most visually dynamic and historically, the most frequently customized. This is a legacy amplified by its prominent appearance in popular culture, notably in the original “Fast and Furious” movie, where Civic coupes were driven by the antagonists, cementing their cool factor in the public consciousness.
Side profile of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe parked on the road
For many Honda aficionados, the late nineties Civic SiR coupe (known as the Civic Si in the US) remains the pinnacle. Its lightweight construction, engaging driving dynamics, VTEC engine, and undeniably cool aesthetic made it an instant classic. The 2020 Honda Civic Si aims to capture some of that magic, retaining the fundamental formula while incorporating modern updates.
Rear three quarter angle of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe highlighting its rear design and spoiler
The 2020 refresh brings subtle exterior and interior revisions, along with tweaked transmission gearing and the inclusion of standard driver-assistance technologies. While opinions on the current generation Civic’s overall design may be divided, the coupe body style arguably remains the most visually appealing of the lineup, carrying a sporty and youthful vibe.
The updated exterior features redesigned front and rear bumpers, standard LED headlights, and new matte-black 18-inch wheels. The distinctive rear wing, often a point of discussion, remains, and it complements the coupe’s sporty silhouette effectively. Perhaps the “HDMI-looking” rear exhaust design is less universally loved, but it’s a distinctive styling element nonetheless.
Red accented seats of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe interior
Inside the 2020 Civic Si, you’ll find enhanced red accents and a digitally amplified exhaust sound feature when Sport mode is engaged. This synthesized sound might not appeal to purists, but it’s part of the modern sport compact experience.
Under the hood, the 2020 Civic Si retains the familiar 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission option remains a slick six-speed manual, now featuring a quicker final-drive ratio for improved acceleration. Front-wheel drive is standard, and the Si achieves a claimed 0-100 km/h time of around 6.2 seconds, offering brisk performance for daily driving and spirited weekend runs.
Close up of the matte black wheels of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe
One of the most compelling aspects of the Civic Si has always been its value, and the 2020 model continues this tradition. With a base MSRP that saw a modest increase since previous iterations, the Si remains a well-equipped package. Beyond optional paint colors like the Platinum White Pearl seen here and a body kit, the Si comes comprehensively equipped, making it an exceptionally attractive proposition in the sport compact segment.
Driving Dynamics: Still a Joy Behind the Wheel
Despite being a departure from its naturally aspirated, high-revving predecessors, the current generation Civic Si still delivers that signature Honda fun. It’s crucial to remember that the Si’s role isn’t to be an all-out track weapon; that’s the domain of the Civic Type R. Instead, the Si provides a heightened driving experience compared to the standard Civic, striking a balance between daily usability and engaging performance.
Close up of the sporty seats inside the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe interior
Compared to a standard Civic Sport, the Si boasts increased power, adaptive dampers, a helical limited-slip front differential, a sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes. These enhancements collectively contribute to a more focused and dynamic driving experience.
Dashboard view showing the sport mode button in the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe
Unlike previous VTEC-powered Si models that demanded high revs to unlock their performance, the 2020 Honda Civic Si offers a more mature power delivery. The turbocharged engine provides ample low-end torque, reducing the need for constant downshifting. While the characteristic high-pitched VTEC engine note is missed, the turbocharged engine offers a different, but still enjoyable, performance profile.
Side rear view of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe driving on a winding road
The synthesized exhaust sound in Sport mode might be a point of contention for some, especially when compared to naturally sporty exhaust notes like those found in the Hyundai Veloster N. However, Sport mode does sharpen the car’s dynamics, firming up the adaptive dampers and optimizing the Civic Si for more aggressive cornering. It excels as a fun-to-drive car on twisty roads, offering a balanced blend of power and handling for an engaging driving experience.
Honda Civic Si logo emblem on the front grille of the 2020 model
A standout feature is the car’s feeling of lightness and agility. Despite the current Honda Civic being larger and heavier than its predecessors, the Si feels nimble and responsive when pushed. At around 2,889 pounds, it belies its weight in its handling characteristics.
While the steering might be criticized for lacking feedback, torque steer is commendably absent. The clutch is light and user-friendly, contributing to the Si’s easy daily driveability. And the manual shifter is a true highlight, often lauded as one of the best available, offering slick, precise throws and a satisfying mechanical feel.
Manual transmission shifter in the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe interior
Interior and Technology: Balancing Ergonomics with Infotainment Frustration
Interior view of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe dashboard and center console
The 2020 Honda Civic Si interior remains a pleasant environment. Despite some styling criticisms of the current Civic generation, the cabin ergonomics and design were well-executed from the outset and still feel contemporary. The layout is intuitive, the seating position is excellent, the center console offers generous storage, and the digital instrument cluster is clear and informative.
However, the Civic’s infotainment system continues to be a weak point. While Honda addressed some criticisms by adding a volume knob and physical buttons, the touch-dependent controls and unintuitive menu structure make the system more distracting than user-friendly. The saving grace is its seamless integration with Android Auto (and presumably Apple CarPlay), which mitigates some of the frustrations for smartphone users.
Final Verdict: A Fond Farewell to a Sport Compact Icon
Rear action shot of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe driving on a highway
Ultimately, the 2020 Honda Civic Si coupe retains the core appeal of the standard Civic and elevates it with the right dose of sportiness to bring a smile to any driving enthusiast’s face. This formula has cemented the Civic Si’s place as a top contender in the sport compact car segment for over three decades, a direct competitor to models like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. This enduring legacy is precisely why the discontinuation of the coupe variant is a significant loss.
While perhaps not the most practical Civic body style, the coupe has always been the rebellious and spirited member of the family. Seeing it depart feels like saying goodbye to a piece of automotive history and a segment of youthful enthusiasm. If you appreciate a fun-to-drive, value-packed sport compact, consider experiencing the 2020 Civic Si coupe before it’s gone – it’s a car that deserves to be remembered and appreciated.
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2020 Honda Civic Si Coupe by William Clavey Sport Compact Cars
Pros:
- Quick, fun, and precise driving experience
- Excellent value for money
- Class-leading interior ergonomics
Cons:
- Frustrating infotainment system
- Synthesized exhaust sound
- Limited practicality (coupe body style)
Rating: 8.5 / 10
Clavey’s Corner is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Please note that prices and trim levels mentioned in this article reflect the Canadian market.
Special thanks to Honda Canada for providing the test vehicle.
Photography by Guillaume Fournier
Contact the author: [email protected]
