2018 Honda Civic Si added to U.S. lineup

Expanding the currently-popular Honda Civic family, the new Civic Si has been added to the line-up with an updated engine in the United States. The Si slots in between the standard Civic and the hot Civic Type-R. Honda claims the new model to be the “fastest, most powerful Si yet” even though its power output remains the same.

The 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated engine in the old Si has given way to a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit which outputs 205 hp. But the power arrives 1,300 rpm sooner. The torque output gets a hike though, at 260 Nm, 25 Nm more than the old model. This torque is delivered from 2,100 rpm to 5,000 rpm, which covers 70% of the rev-range. A 6-speed manual transmission is the only choice available.

Honda says that the new Civic Si is lighter than the outgoing model. Despite the weight loss, the Si sports a more rigid body that comes with uses dual-pinion adaptive electric power steering, sport-tuned suspension, an adaptive damper system, 12.3-inch front brakes and 235/40 R18 tyres. The front axle is fitted with a helical limited-slip differential to handle the power. The Si shares the upper control arms with the hotter Type R. Two driving modes are available, Normal and Sport, switching through which will adjust suspension damping, steering input, and throttle response.

The interior features seats upholstered in the red Si trim. The infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto shined through a 7-inch touch screen. Heated seats, remote start, and rain-sensing wipers are a few of the amenities offered.

The Si will be offered in the U.S. in Sedan and Coupe forms. It’s not coming to the UAE or GCC anytime soon, and neither is the Type-R.