The Honda Civic Si has long been celebrated for its blend of fun, practicality, and reliability, appealing to driving enthusiasts who need a car for both the track and daily commutes. The 2022 Honda Civic Si continues this tradition, evolving the formula for a new generation. Our team of automotive experts at cardiagnosticnearme.com recently had the opportunity to evaluate the latest Civic Si, and here are their insightful perspectives.
David S. Wallens, our Editorial Director and a long-time Civic Si aficionado, expresses strong enthusiasm for the 2022 model. Having owned multiple generations of the Civic Si, including an ’86, ’92, 2000, and currently a 2014 model, Wallens’ experience with the Si lineage is extensive. His history also includes time with two CRXs and the magazine’s project Civic Sis from 2002 and 2019, giving him a deep understanding of the model’s evolution.
Image of the 2022 Honda Civic Si dashboard and steering wheel
The refined and more conventional dashboard of the 2022 Honda Civic Si offers an updated interior experience.
Wallens highlights the core reasons for the Civic Si’s enduring appeal: fun driving dynamics, everyday practicality, renowned reliability, and reasonable pricing. He emphasizes the versatility of the Civic Si, capable of autocrossing, track days, and daily commuting without concern for breakdowns. His personal experience with a 2014 Civic Si, requiring only basic maintenance like tires and a battery, underscores this reliability. Wallens sees the 2022 Civic Si as a natural progression, an update similar to how previous generations built upon their predecessors. Key improvements that stand out for him are the more conventional dashboard design and side windows, addressing aspects of the previous generation’s design he found less appealing. He also notes the new model’s lower stance and quieter cabin, contributing to a more refined on-track feel and overall driving experience. While acknowledging the merits of the previous generation, especially in a pre-pandemic market, Wallens is thoroughly impressed with the latest iteration and expresses a strong desire to own one.
Side profile image of the 2022 Honda Civic Si showcasing its sleek design
The lower and sleeker profile of the 2022 Honda Civic Si enhances its sporty appearance and aerodynamics.
Tom Suddard, Director of Marketing & Digital Assets, provides another perspective, drawing from his experience at the launch of the 10th generation Civic Si five years prior. While he found the previous generation Civic Si to be a capable car, his initial review leaned towards recommending the sedan for its practicality over the coupe’s slightly less defined sporty character. However, the 10th generation Civic Si defied expectations by winning G-street at the SCCA Solo Nationals, outperforming competitors like the Golf GTI and Focus ST, proving its on-track prowess while maintaining daily driving civility.
Front three-quarter view of the 2022 Honda Civic Si in action on a track
The 2022 Honda Civic Si demonstrates its handling capabilities and sporty performance on the race track.
Approaching the 11th generation Civic Si with more caution, Suddard acknowledges significant improvements in aesthetics. He describes the new model as “pretty,” a departure from the more polarizing “off-brand transformer styling” of its predecessor. The interior also receives high praise for its soft-touch materials, standard sunroof, comfortable seats, and the inclusion of wireless Apple CarPlay. However, Suddard’s critique centers on the engine’s character. He finds the 2022 Civic Si “a little boring,” noting a lack of excitement in the upper rev range and a heavy flywheel feel. He describes the driving experience as similar to a standard Civic, only “slightly faster,” lacking the immediate thrill he expected from the Si badge.
Close-up of the 2022 Honda Civic Si wheel and front fender detailing its sporty design elements
Detailed view of the 2022 Honda Civic Si’s wheel and fender, showcasing its sporty and refined design.
Despite the engine feeling less engaging in a straight line, Suddard praises the 2022 Civic Si’s cornering capabilities. He notes a remarkably light chassis feel in corners, complemented by precise steering, easy handling, and an effective limited-slip differential that puts power down effectively. While acknowledging the outgoing Civic Type R’s more soul-stirring nature, Suddard concludes that the 2022 Civic Si is an excellent all-around vehicle and a top-tier daily driver. However, personally, he admits a preference for the visceral VTEC experience of the 9th generation Civic Si, even if it means sacrificing some of the newer model’s understated competence and outright pace.
Interior shot of the 2022 Honda Civic Si cabin showcasing the comfortable and well-equipped space
The interior of the 2022 Honda Civic Si offers a comfortable and technologically advanced driving environment.
Conclusion
The 2022 Honda Civic Si emerges as a refined and highly capable sport compact car. It retains the core values of practicality, reliability, and fun that have defined the Civic Si lineage. While opinions diverge slightly on the engine’s excitement factor compared to previous generations, particularly regarding the VTEC experience, the consensus is that the 2022 Civic Si is a well-rounded and highly competent vehicle. It excels as a daily driver and promises to be another strong contender in its class for on-track performance, continuing the Civic Si’s legacy as a versatile and engaging sports car for enthusiasts.
