Subtlety is a tricky task in the flashy automotive landscape, where our collective gaze yanks the direction of extreme horsepower or brash design. But, the sport compact class flies in the face of all that, dodging high-dollar pretensions and zeroing in on fun-loving all-rounders like the 2022 Honda Civic Si. First launched in the neon blitz of the 1980s, Honda's long-standing Civic Si (Sport Injected) lineup helped shape the sport compact category as we know it today by carefully balancing real-world use and an engaging driving experience.

For 2022, Honda has fortified the Civic Si's sturdy pillars of price, performance, and practicality by adding refinement across the board. The bodywork has received attention from designers, enjoying a sharper appearance, while the interior is also thoroughly reworked. Its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine features several keen updates, pairing nicely with a firmed-up chassis and suspension setup.

Performance and Handling

The Civic SI's 1.5-liter inline-four engine returns with a host of updates and produces a claimed 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque, delivering power to the front wheels through a limited-slip differential and six-speed manual transmission. Now, astute spec-sheet warriors will be quick to point out that we've lost five ponies compared to last year's Civic Si but don't fret because Honda has you covered.

The 2022 Honda Civic Si focuses on producing a broader spread of power via changes like a 30-percent lighter single-mass flywheel. Not only does the four-pot mill spin up with more enthusiasm than before, but it achieves peak torque 300 rpm sooner. That translates to more punch that's more accessible.

The powertrain is energetic, spooling up with vigor through to the 6,500 rpm redline when asked, though it knows how to remain docile and apply user-friendly torque lower in the revs. This Civic Si in that sense, with the engine performance highlights positions itself — smack between the master-commuter Civic sedan and racetrack-ready Type R.

There is something about flogging a tight six-speed manual that will immediately slap a grin on anyone's face. Yet, the Si takes things further with 10 percent shorter shift throws and a rev-matching system pilfered from the Type R. Sure, those who mastered heel-toe downshifting can disable that feature, while the rest of us can let the Si sort it out and focus on the corners ahead. The only hiccup in the affair is noticeable amounts of rev-hang, requiring drivers to slow their shifting or use the light clutch to smooth transitions.

Active suspension damping has gone the way of the dodo for the Si, but we still have Normal and Sport driving modes. Sport perks up the throttle response and adds steering weight through the new electric rack, which pairs perfectly with the Si's significantly strengthened chassis and stiffer suspension. Sport mode pumps exhaust notes into the cabin via the excellent sound system, though a throatier tone would do wonders.

Those minor complaints fall by the wayside since pushing through a canyon road is incredibly rewarding, thanks to sure-footed composure and wonderful balance. More impressive are the quick-witted steering abilities that would undoubtedly rival pure sportscars on any given Sunday. When it's all wrapped up, the taut ride quality won't rattle your fillings out, although your opinion will differ depending on the amount of salt and pepper in your hair.

The matte black 18-inch aluminum wheels were shod with ultra-grippy Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 summer tires, which is an easy $200 upsell. Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season rubber is standard for those in areas that get weather. When coupled with oversized rotors, solid braking performance bolsters confidence.

With fuel prices what they are, the 21 city and 37 highway mpg ratings come across as welcome news. Even better is that reserved driving netted 40 mpg without too much of a struggle. Those with a lead foot will put the turbo to use, and a hard day's work in the canyons will see mph figures in the mid-20s. Sport and efficiency? That’s a rare combination, indeed.

2022 Honda Civic Si Specs

Exterior Styling

The new Civic sedan provided a solid foundation for designers to work from with the new Civic Si. In truth, the low-slung, sleek look isn't a massive departure from the humble Civic sedan, and the Si only accentuates the sharp lighting and chiseled visage in subtle but meaningful ways.

A honeycomb grille and rear spoiler are the highlights, while blacked-out window trim, matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, and chrome tips on its model-specific exhaust separate the two highlighting the main differences.

Our 2022 Honda Civic Si tester came in Blazing Orange Pearl ($395) and stands out from the more pedestrian color offerings. The paint quality is excellent and pops against various matte and black finishes on the exterior. You don't have to squint your eyes to see typical Honda craftsmanship, but nothing is either over the top or gaudy. After all, it is a Civic.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior

When seated behind the leather-bound steering wheel of the Si, a performance narrative jumps out to the driver. Unique Si-logo emblazoned seats offer quite a bit of support, which comes in handy while whipping through a country road. You can find Red stitching throughout the cabin amenities and taken together, these touches give the Si an edginess that other Civics wouldn't flex. Meanwhile, small touches such as the honeycomb grille design reappear on the HVAC vents, adding a sense of continuity.

Thanks to the pulled-back A-pillars, the vision is excellent, and everything is ideally within arm's reach. There's seating for five and a sizable 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space.

The overall interior design shows a measured amount of restraint; it's uncluttered and functional with straightforward instrumentation — a 7.0-inch full-color LCD panel displays a simple speedometer and tachometer.

That philosophy extends to the 9.0-inch infotainment system equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With an intuitive user interface, smartphone pairing to the system is a breeze. Rounding out the niceties is the excellent Bose audio system providing crystal-clear sound quality and a rear-facing camera.

Interior Dimensions

Pricing, Warranty, and Key Safety Features

The 2022 Honda Civic Si starts at an affordable $27,500, and historically, offering a sporty compact car at a reasonable price is one of the main goals of Si models. Our test unit came in at $29,190 after adjusting for:

- The Blazing Orange Pearl paint ($375)

- High-Performance Tire option ($200)

- Destination and handling fees ($1,095)

Honda's warranty is comprehensive yet standard fare for the brand and backed by a limited three-year or 36,000-mile warranty. A five-year or 60,000-mile warranty covers the powertrain.

Honda Sensing is a standard issue and is almost ubiquitous across the entire model lineup and are familiar features on the Civic Si. They include:

- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

- Automatic emergency braking

- Lane departure warning

- Lane-keeping assist

The 2022 model adds traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic monitor.

Using ACC with lane-keeping assist makes highway slogs a breeze, staying within the lane while maintaining perfect distance from other vehicles. If a corner is too much for it to negotiate, it'll throw up a warning with plenty of time to react.

Versatility: That's the 2022 Honda Civic Si's Standout Trait

There are few situations where the 2022 Honda Civic Si feels outclassed or awkward, highlighting how this four-door sedan is a master of subtlety and is refinement at its very best. With comfort enough for a commute, excellent handling, safety features fit for the family, and a perky powertrain — Honda has created its most refined stealthy sportscar in civilized disguise.

Photography: Robert Martinez

FAQ

Q: How much horsepower does a BMW M1000RR have?

BMW claims 205 horsepower, but the rear wheel figure is 160 horsepower.

Q: How much is the BMW M1000RR?

The BMW M1000RR costs $36,995.

Q: Which is faster BMW S1000RR or the M1000RR?

The BMW S1000RR and the M1000RR produce the same power. The M1000RR revs higher, but you would have to be an expert rider to make the M1000RR go faster around a track than the S1000RR.