The best Honda Civic 2022 yet? New Si sedan brings more turbo power and standard manual gearbox to Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato rival

A sporty new small sedan with a standard manual transmission – in 2021? Yep, your eyes do not deceive you; this is the Honda Civic Si.

Based on the 11th-generation Civic sedan, the Si ups the performance ante in more ways than one.

Aside from its six-speed DIY gearbox with a short throw and rev-matching functionality, the Si separates itself from the regular Civic sedan with a more potent tune of its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine.

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Specifically, peak power is up 19kW, to 149kW at 6000rpm, while maximum torque is up 40Nm, to 260Nm, from 1800-5000rpm. Of note, the 6500rpm redline is shared.

Better yet, these outputs are sent to the front wheels via a helical limited-slip differential that helps to improve traction when powering out of corners.

The Si also comes with sports suspension with spring rates that are eight and 54 per cent at the front and rear respectively, while its steering feel is better thanks to a 60 per cent stiffer torsion bar that connects the shaft to the rack pinion gear.

Matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design and 235/40 tyres add to the Si package alongside larger brake discs, while front sports seats and sports pedals are found inside.

Styling-wise, the Si stands out from the Civic sedan crowd with its honeycomb grille insert, bootlid spoiler, tweaked rear bumper with dual oval-shaped exhaust tips, gloss-black trim and available Blazing Orange Pearl paintwork.

The unique interior also make itself known with red/black cloth upholstery and red stitching and accents, which combine for an adrenaline-pumping look.

Now, the bad news: like the wider 11th-generation sedan line-up, the North American-focused Si isn’t coming to Australia, where the hatchback has become the Civic’s lone body-style.

That said, local buyers who are after a sportier option will eventually be able to behind the wheel of the 11th-generation hatchback’s yet-to-be-revealed next-generation Type R flagship.

As reported, the new hatchback – Type R excluded – is due to enter Honda Australia showrooms by the end of this year, with local pricing and specification details still to be announced, so stay tuned.