The Honda Civic XI Sedan Si 1.5 i-VTEC, introduced for the 2024 model year as part of the facelift for the eleventh-generation Civic, represents a performance-oriented variant within the popular compact car lineup. Building upon the foundation of the Civic Sedan, the Si model aims to deliver a more engaging driving experience through a combination of a turbocharged engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and sport-tuned chassis components. Production began in May 2024, continuing Honda’s tradition of offering a sporty, accessible option for enthusiasts. This model occupies a middle ground in the Civic Sedan range, positioned above the base LX and Sport trims but below the more refined and technologically advanced Touring trim.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Civic |
| Generation | Civic XI Sedan (facelift 2024) |
| Type (Engine) | Si 1.5 i-VTEC (200 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (EPA) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | LEV3-ULEV50 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.7 kg/Hp, 149.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 194.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 133.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft. @ 1800-5000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6600 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89.5 mm (3.52 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, i-VTEC |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System |
| Kerb Weight | 1339-1360 kg (2951.99 – 2998.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Max load | 440-461 kg (970.03 – 1016.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 408 l (14.41 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 46.9 l (12.39 US gal | 10.32 UK gal) |
| Length | 4655 mm (183.27 in.) |
| Width | 1800 mm (70.87 in.) |
| Height | 1410 mm (55.51 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2735 mm (107.68 in.) |
| Front track | 1536 mm (60.47 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1566 mm (61.65 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 129 mm (5.08 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 312 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 282 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Civic Si is Honda’s 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine, designated as part of the L15C family. This engine utilizes direct injection and a single-scroll turbocharger to produce 200 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1800 and 5000 rpm. The engine features Honda’s i-VTEC (Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology, which optimizes valve timing and lift for improved performance and fuel efficiency. The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 10.3:1 contributes to its responsiveness. Crucially, the Si is exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission, a key differentiator from other Civic trims. This transmission features a shorter final drive ratio compared to the standard Civic, enhancing acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 2024 Civic Si delivers a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the standard Civic Sedan. The turbocharged engine provides strong low-end torque, making it responsive in everyday driving situations. The six-speed manual transmission is precise and offers a satisfying tactile feel. The shorter final drive ratio contributes to quicker acceleration, although it does slightly impact highway fuel economy. Compared to the base 2.0-liter engine found in lower trims, the Si offers a significant performance upgrade. While not as powerful as the Civic Type R, the Si strikes a balance between performance and practicality, making it a compelling option for drivers who enjoy spirited driving without sacrificing everyday usability.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Civic Si comes standard with a comprehensive list of features. Interior appointments include sport seats with enhanced bolstering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum sport pedals. Standard technology includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital instrument cluster, and Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features. Optional extras typically include premium audio systems and exterior styling enhancements. The Si trim generally avoids the luxury-focused features found in the Touring trim, instead prioritizing a sporty aesthetic and driver-focused experience.
Chassis & Braking
The Civic Si benefits from a sport-tuned suspension, featuring stiffer spring rates and dampers compared to the standard Civic Sedan. It also incorporates a thicker stabilizer bar to reduce body roll during cornering. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The Si’s chassis is further enhanced by a limited-slip differential, which improves traction and cornering performance by distributing torque more effectively between the front wheels. This is a significant upgrade over the open differentials found in other Civic trims.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Civic Si has consistently been well-received by automotive critics and enthusiasts. It is praised for its engaging driving dynamics, responsive engine, and well-equipped interior. Compared to competitors like the Volkswagen GTI and Hyundai Elantra N Line, the Civic Si offers a compelling combination of performance, value, and reliability. Fuel economy is respectable, achieving around 30.9 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability is generally considered to be excellent, consistent with Honda’s reputation for building durable vehicles.
Legacy
The Civic Si has a long and storied history, dating back to the 1980s. It has consistently been a popular choice for drivers who want a sporty and affordable compact car. The 2024 model continues this tradition, offering a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and value. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission are expected to be reliable and durable, ensuring that the Civic Si will remain a desirable option in the used car market for years to come. The inclusion of a limited-slip differential is a particularly noteworthy feature that enhances the driving experience and adds to the Si’s appeal among enthusiasts.
