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Auto Blog
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Honda Civic Si for a Week, and I'm Convinced That You Don't Need a Type R
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 2025 Honda Civic Si has enough gusto Ask any Honda enthusiast what their favorite model is from the Japanese automaker, and the Civic Type R is likely to come up. We can't blame anyone for saying that, considering the hot hatchback pushes more than 300 horsepower to its front wheels and handles like a rear-wheel-drive car. We have spent some time in the Civic Type R and came away impressed with it, but its nearly $46,000 price tag leaves something to be desired. However, when shopping for a sporty car, you have to think about more than just its price and power. 0:07 / 0:09 2025 Honda Accord: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More For instance, if you're only looking for something fun to drive on the street but don't plan on hitting the track at all, then I would argue that the Honda Civic Si presents a better value over its high-powered stablemate. Like its big brother, the Type R, the Civic Si only comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, so it's plenty fun right out of the box. It also has a sport-tuned suspension and well-bolstered seats to hold you in at every corner, so you'll get those boy-racer sensations when driving it spiritedly. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda However, the Civic Si is also powered by a smaller turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, compared to the Type R's 2.0-liter mill, which only produces 200 horsepower to the front wheels. But does that mean it's not fun to drive? After all, there are many critics and owners out there saying that it feels underpowered, especially when comparing it to the Type R. To find out, I spent a week in the 2025 Honda Civic Si and was surprisingly impressed with its performance. In fact, by the end of the week, I was convinced that most prospective buyers shouldn't even look at the Type R. 2023 Honda Civic Type R — Source: Honda The Civic Si is more than its power rating As stated, the 2025 Honda Civic Si is motivated by a small turbocharged engine that generates 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, which doesn't sound like much compared to other high-performance sedans and hatchbacks on the market. For example, the competing Volkswagen GTI has 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which sounds monstrous compared to the Civic. And, of course, the Type R completely overshadows it with its 315-horsepower rating. However, I'm here to argue that those power numbers don't really matter when you're behind the wheel and aiming to hit the next apex on the winding road you're on. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Let's keep in mind that the Civic Si only weighs 2,952 pounds, which is relatively light for a sedan equipped with plenty of safety features and other comfort amenities that typically add a lot of weight. This isn't a race car, by any means, but it is fun to drive. With its good power-to-weight ratio, the Civic Si feels agile and quick when you put it through its paces. No, it doesn't pull like a freight train, and it won't win any drag races against a Mustang GT, but straight-line speed isn't what this car is about, so don't mind its 6.6-second 0-60-mph time. That's actually still pretty quick, but on paper, it doesn't sound that great compared to other performance cars. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda Instead, the Civic Si shines in the corners with its sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky summer tires. I sent the Civic Si down my favorite Colorado canyon road, and it ate up the corners with ease, so much so that I could barely get the tires to complain. Its handling limits are meant to be explored on a racetrack. Maybe not a large one with sweeping turns, but a technical one with sharp corners will allow the driver to really feel what the car is about. As for the powertrain, the Civic Si's force-fed mill pumped out its power in a smooth way throughout the whole rpm band. It has a meaty mid-range torque curve that does well to pull the car out of tight turns, and its close-ratio gear set keeps the tachometer needle right where it needs to be. The limited-slip differential also gives the car the traction it needs when cornering at speed. Needless to say, traction and superior handling are what this car is about, and that's mostly what makes it fun to drive. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda Final thoughts: You don't really need a Civic Type R Considering how well the Honda Civic Si handles on canyon roads, it's surprisingly comfortable to drive on the street. The suspension soaked up road imperfections well, and the car never felt unsettled when hitting dips and going over speed bumps. The Civic Type R, on the other hand, feels a little rougher on the street, and despite its insane power and superb handling prowess, it's not fun to drive over speed bumps or up steep driveways. You know, regular driving duties. Additionally, although some enthusiasts will like the Civic Type R's well-bolstered race buckets, those tall bolsters are a pain to get over when getting in and out of the car. The Civic Si's sport seats are bolstered well too, and they hold you in under tight cornering pretty well, but they also aren't a pain to get in and out of. 2023 Honda Civic Type R — Source: Honda Lastly, while the Civic Type R's immense power and handling make the car feel like a race car on paved roads, it's better suited for an actual racetrack so the driver can really explore its limits. The Civic Si, on the other hand, can be enjoyed on normal roads and on a normal commute while giving you a smile-inducing experience when you want to take the scenic route on your way home from work. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
Car and Driver
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Honda Civic Si Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs Seating 5 Seats Cargo Capacity 14 Cubic Feet Powertrain Gas Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 3 Years/36,000 Miles Overview If the Honda Civic Si was on the menu at your local Thai restaurant, it would be labeled as a medium-hot option. It lacks the all-out intensity that makes you sweat, but it certainly adds some heat to the standard Civic's otherwise mild recipe. The kick comes from the Si's 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated exclusively to one of the best six-speed manual transmissions in the business. While other sport compacts like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai Elantra N have more oomph, the Si undercuts them in price while offering just as much driver engagement. Think of the Civic Si as a fun car instead of a fast one, and it won't disappoint. Expert Tip: If you're looking for something with an even higher Scoville rating, take a look at the Honda Civic Type R. With 315 horsepower and a host of serious performance upgrades, the Type R is the ultimate everyday track toy. What's New for 2026? The Civic Si received a significant overhaul last year, introducing light chassis upgrades, refreshed styling, standard heated front seats, and an updated infotainment suite. With that facelift still fresh, the Civic Si continues into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Honda Civic Si starts at $32,145. Civic Si $32,145 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k This one's easy. Since the Si is only offered as a fully equipped model, the only choice you'll have to make is between a set of all-season or summer tires. We'd choose the latter for the extra grip. Want to compare the 2026 Honda Civic Si to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engine: 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder Transmission: six-speed manual six-speed manual Drivetrain: front-wheel-drive Under the hood of the Civic Si is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a standard limited-slip differential; an automatic option isn't currently offered. Our hands-on experience revealed that the Civic Si is one of the best driving compact sedans on the market. There's some engine coarseness when pushed, but there was little turbo lag, and we loved the shifter's short throws and light action. The manual gearbox also now has a rev-match feature for drivers who haven't perfected the heel-and-toe technique, and it's easy to turn on or off. Compared with the regular Civic, the Si has larger brake rotors. Plus, the Si's firmer suspension gives it an edge in the handling department. 0–60-MPH Times C/D Test: 60 mph in 6.6 seconds In Comparison: The Civic Si was 0.7 second quicker to 60 mph than the standard Civic hatchback with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it trailed a 2025 Civic Hybrid that we tested, which managed a 60-mph sprint in just 6.2 seconds. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel Economy Test(s): 37 mpg 37 mpg EPA city rating(s): 27 mpg 27 mpg EPA highway rating(s): 37 mpg The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Civic Si yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. As part of our extensive testing regimen, we ran a 2022 Civic Si, which is mechanically similar to the 2026 model, on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. It returned 37 mpg there, matching its EPA-estimated highway number. For more information about the Civic's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: An exclusive set of sport seats with added bolstering and heating, distinctive Si logos in the headrests, and red contrast stitching is one of the primary ways Honda differentiates the Si's interior from the standard-issue Civic. The red stitching extends to the doors, steering wheel, and other surfaces to denote the car's sportiness. Second Row: With the same dimensions as the less sporty Civic sedan, it provides an equally comfortable back seat. Cargo Capacity: The Si's trunk is spacious enough to accommodate six carry-on suitcases. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Sound: 12-speaker Bose audio system As with the best-equipped Civic models, the Si's standard infotainment system features a 9.0-inch touchscreen that sprouts from the middle of the dashboard. The unit includes a handy volume knob and a couple of other physical buttons. Honda packages every Si with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also a standard 12-speaker Bose audio system for jammin' out on the way to the grocery store or racetrack. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The 2026 Honda Civic Si features a comprehensive safety and driver-aid suite, complete with forward collision warning and emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and standard adaptive cruise control. For more information about the Civic Si's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The Civic Si comes with a competitive, albeit wholly unremarkable, warranty. For those interested in complimentary maintenance, all 2025 Hondas come with a plan that covers oil changes and basic services for the first year or 12,000 miles. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance for one year or 12,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2025 Honda Civic Si Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base: $31,045 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 91 in3, 1498 cm3 Power: 200 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 192 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.7 in Length: 184.0 in Width: 70.9 in Height: 55.5 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/44 ft3 Trunk Volume: 14 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 3000 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 6.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.9 sec Top Speed: 135 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 31/27/37 mpg More Features and Specs
Auto Blog
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ferrari Exec Delivers Brutal Blow To Manual Lovers
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Don't get excited about a manual Purosangue or 296 While Porsche still has a few manual sports cars, it's been over a decade since Ferrari abandoned the stick shift with the California. While many enthusiasts get all giddy at the idea of a manual Ferrari, the truth of the matter is that the people who buy these cars mostly chose the automatic, hence the Italian marque's decision to discontinue this gearbox option. 0:03 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More Although Ferrari recently hinted at a comeback for manual models, that now seems to be in doubt once more. At the reveal of the stunning new Amalfi, a Ferrari exec had a cheeky response when asked about the possible return of a manual. Go Used Or Go Home 'You missed! The manual gearbox, we already have it, in many of our classic cars,' said Enrico Galliera, Ferrari's chief marketing and commercial officer when speaking to Evo. 'You can go and drive our fantastic manual gearboxes on our fantastic events for our classic cars. Whoever wants to have this kind of classic experience, they can buy and restore our fantastic classics and come to our events.' Although we weren't there to cast judgment on Galliera's tone when answering the question, this response had more than a hint of exasperation to it (we counted at least four 'fantastics' in there) and possibly stems from him being asked about manual Ferraris one too many times. 'We offer Corsa Pilotti on classic cars because many people don't know how to use the manual cars,' continued Galliera. 'It's an important experience that we can offer on our classic cars for the time being.' Hard To Make A Case For A New Ferrari Manual Source: Ferrari Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. As a business, Ferrari is in a good place. In its first-quarter report for 2025, shipments were up by 1% year-on-year. Then again, this isn't a brand that chases volumes, and looking beyond pure vehicle sales at Ferrari as a business, things are going well. Operating profit over the same period was up by 23%, net revenues grew by 13%, and net profit was up by 17%. So, it's not as if the absence of a manual is affecting its bottom line. Looking back at the California, thousands were sold with the dual-clutch automatic, and a mere three examples had a manual. That's a lot of investment for a feature that so few buyers want. Furthermore, it's not as if rivals are bombarding the market with manual options. Lamborghini, for example, last sold a manual in 2013 on the Gallardo. Nostalgia is a powerful tool, though, and we're sure Ferrari would have no trouble selling a limited-run, bespoke manual model that recalls the past. What we don't see is the manual returning as an option on regular production models like the 296 or Purosangue. As Galliera made clear, your best bet is to indulge in a classic Prancing Horse if you want to shift gears yourself. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Auto Blog
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Hyundai Says Nobody Wants Manual Gearboxes Anymore
According to Hyundai's European technical chief Tyrone Johnson, the manual gearbox is not dying — it's already dead. In a recent interview with Car Magazine, the longtime Ford and Jaguar performance engineer declared, 'Nobody wants manual gearboxes and handbrakes anymore, or analogue instruments.' As blunt as it sounds, the data and direction of the industry seem to back him up. Johnson now leads Hyundai's European development center in Germany, and he's not one to mourn the passing of what he sees as outdated tech. From his perspective, the driving experience offered by EVs like the Ioniq 5 N has already surpassed most combustion-engine performance cars. And while some purists still seek out stick shifts for their engagement and mechanical tactility, Johnson argues those drivers are now the exception, not the rule. Source: 2025 Hyundai Why the Manual Is Disappearing It's not just consumer preference steering the shift. Developing a car with both manual and automatic options introduces engineering complexity and cost — particularly in an era of increasingly sophisticated driver assistance systems and global emissions targets. Automatic transmissions, especially modern dual-clutch and CVT systems, often outperform manuals on efficiency tests. With fewer people opting for the third pedal, the investment simply doesn't make sense. Even Hyundai's own enthusiast offerings reflect this shift. In the U.S., the Elantra N's manual take rate was just 30% last year — still higher than average, but not enough to reverse the trend. And as these models disappear from the lineup, the list of new cars even offering a manual continues to shrink. Johnson also highlighted how modern buyers — especially those under 40 — expect digital interfaces and seamless tech integration. Traditional gear levers, handbrakes, and needle gauges are being phased out in favor of electronic selectors, drive-by-wire systems, and fully digital dashboards. Even performance models like the Ioniq 5 N now feature fake gear changes and synthetic engine sounds to simulate the sensations of traditional driving. What Replaces the Experience? Hyundai's electric N cars include a feature called N e-shift, designed to replicate the feeling of an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It's a software-driven system with paddle shifters and artificial powertrain noise piped through the speakers. Johnson says it's not nostalgia, but sensory feedback — vibrations, engine sounds, gear transitions — that help drivers feel connected to the machine. 'You can do some really clever things,' he added, pointing to the pace of EV development and the expanding role of software in suspension tuning and performance behavior. Whether this approach resonates with enthusiasts is another matter. For those still chasing that old-school feel, there are still affordable options, but they're dwindling fast. The gap between what enthusiasts want and what the broader market will buy is only growing. The Future of the Gear Stick Johnson doesn't buy into the narrative that performance cars are in decline. 'If you want to go fast, there's nothing better than an EV,' he told Car. That said, he's aware of the emotional appeal of a manual — the sense of control, the raw connection — but insists that EVs are advancing at a rate combustion cars never could. And as more manufacturers prioritize global platforms and digital experiences, the manual transmission risks becoming less a driver's choice and more a collector's quirk. For now, manuals survive in pockets of the market, often thanks to enthusiast demand or brand tradition. Some of the best stick-shift cars of 2025 still make a strong case for the format, even if they're no longer mainstream. But as Johnson's comments suggest, the real question may not be whether manuals are worth saving — it's whether the industry can afford to keep them around at all. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
ArabGT
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Hyundai Sparks Debate Over the Fate of Manual Transmissions
In a statement that stunned driving purists, Hyundai has acknowledged a sharp drop in global demand for manual transmission vehicles—so much so that in certain markets, such cars are virtually extinct. This bold declaration came from the head of product planning at Hyundai Europe, who didn't mince words: 'Nobody wants a manual anymore… The numbers speak for themselves.' Is this simply a business decision, or are we witnessing the slow death of a driving symbol that once stood for skill, engagement, and control? The news echoes a similar sentiment from Ferrari, which recently stated that anyone seeking a manual Ferrari should turn to the second-hand market. From Hero to Relic: The Manual Transmission's Quiet Exit Just a decade ago, manual gearboxes were dominant, particularly across Europe and Asia. Today, the automotive landscape tells a different story: Younger drivers favor ease and comfort behind the wheel. City traffic has made constant shifting a daily frustration. Automatic transmissions have caught up—offering equal or better performance and fuel efficiency. Even performance-focused models like the Hyundai Elantra N, once a go-to for manual enthusiasts, are now seeing higher demand for the more modern dual-clutch (DCT) option. Why Are Manuals Vanishing from Production Lines? There are several forces accelerating their decline: Economic inefficiency: Developing and maintaining manual gearboxes no longer makes business sense. Technological incompatibility: Advanced systems like autonomous driving and adaptive cruise control don't work well with manual setups. The EV revolution: Electric vehicles eliminate the need for multi-speed transmissions altogether. As a result, the manual transmission is increasingly seen as an outdated technology with no place in the evolving automotive ecosystem. What Are We Losing Along the Way? To many car lovers, driving a manual isn't just about changing gears—it's about immersion. The tactile feedback, the rhythm of shifting, the joy of mastering technique—even the occasional stall—all contribute to an experience that automatics simply can't replicate. Still, automakers like Hyundai argue that emotion alone can't justify production decisions. The market today is driven by convenience, refinement, and efficiency—not nostalgia. Are Consumers to Blame? The numbers don't lie, and perhaps neither do our habits. How often do buyers today actively choose a manual? Would most drivers really want to wrestle with a clutch in heavy traffic? Or would they rather sit back and enjoy the music, air conditioning, and smart controls with no extra effort? This evolution in customer preference has pushed brands like Hyundai to quietly retire manual options, even in models that once thrived on driver engagement. Is There Still a Future for Stick Shifts? A few brands continue to defend the manual transmission's honor—Mazda with its MX-5, Honda with the Civic Type R, and Ford with the Mustang GT—but such cars are now the exception, made in smaller volumes for a shrinking base of enthusiasts.
