Good score, Honda! 2025 Civic Si with a manual transmission :)

It is easy to forget how cars have become such a small factor in the current market. I have been provided 23 new vehicles for review in the last seven months. Only four of them have been cars!

The vast majority have been crossovers (10). The rest have been pickups (4), pure-electric vehicles (3), and a minivan.

This is representative of the Canadian market, where consumers have abandoned cars and moved to crossovers.

As I got in the 2025 Honda Civic Si for the first time, the differences between cars and crossovers became immediately evident.

I had to bend over, scrunch down and fold myself into the driver’s seat. As I looked out, it was obvious I was lower than most of the vehicles around me – mostly crossovers and pickups.

Score two points for the crossovers: one for ease of entry/exit and one for view of the road.

Then I depressed the clutch, engaged first gear, released the clutch and got underway, working through to sixth gear.

Joy! A manual transmission!

Score a BIG ONE for this car – a manual transmission! No crossover, pickup or electric vehicle available in this country today can be had with a manual box and all the joy that brings.

Granted, I am in the minority. That “benefit’ might not be universal.

But any car is more efficient, costs less to operate and is easier to manoeuvre in tight quarters than an SUV. Advantage car.

Crossover buyers argue the ease of entry and higher viewpoint are advantages. Agreed.

They also think the crossover is better in winter, thanks to all-wheel-drive. But I would point out that most cars nowadays, this Honda included, come or are available with all-wheel-drive.

The Honda Civic Si with the manual gearbox is the embodiment of fun in a compact family car.

The Civic has evolved over three decades from a simple little econobox to a sophisticated vehicle.

The suspension features ubiquitous struts up front and a multi-link independent setup at the rear. The result is terrific – agile handling, yet a smooth and supple ride.

The manual transmission is a highlight other than for its mere existence. The throws are short and distinct, clutch take-up smooth and progressive.

The small – 1.5 litre – four-cylinder engine performs well beyond its displacement, thanks to state-of-the-art electronics and turbocharging.

There are 200 horses in the corral and instant response with plenty of low-end torque available from idle. The resulting performance is impressive to say the least.

You can accelerate from rest to 100 km/hr in less than seven seconds. BUT that same small displacement and elaborate electronics means great fuel efficiency – again – beyond the size and capability of the vehicle.

On the downside, when it comes times to fill up, Honda recommends you visit the premium pump.

The test Civic, in Si trim, is relatively easy to differentiate from the rest of the lineup. Spot on.

There are touches of red and blacked-out trim inside and out.

The key touches of red appear in the grill and on the trunk lid. Look closer and you might notice the darker taillights, front fascia and matte black wheels are Si-unique. Touches of red appear inside as well from the seats, steering wheel and shift knob to the slick vehicle-wide vents shared with other Civics.

Honda has all those decades of experience, tailoring the Civic to consumer tastes. The ergonomics are spot on.

Everything is where you automatically reach for it and operates with a smoothness and precision expected in vehicles costing several times more.

The infotainment system in the Civic Si is a sign of how Honda has kept up with the times.

It includes a 12-speaker audio system, Google Built-in’s voice-command feature, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. There is a wireless charging pad for your phone.

The safety features are also up-to-date. Blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are now standard.

As I have pointed out in previous reviews, the Canadian-built Honda Civic has become the industry standard. The Si trim and manual transmission add a little spice to the lengthy list of ingredients.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Honda Civic Si MT

PRICE

Base: $36,100

As tested: $39,571 including freight

SAFETY

Auto on/off LED headlights, front and rear park sensors

INFOTAINMENT

Google Automotive Services, Amazon Alexa built-in, 12-speaker Bose audio system, wired Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, wireless phone charger, WiFi hotspot capability

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

18-in alloy wheels, power heated mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, power moonroof, 26-cm digital instrument display, 23-cm infotainment screen, dual zone climate control, proximity key entry with push button start, walk-away door lock, heated tilt & telescope steering wheel, heated front and rear seats

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

Urban grey pearl paint, $300

MECHANICAL

Turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, 200-horsepower, 192 lb.-ft. of torque, premium fuel. Six-speed manual transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 8.7 / 6.4

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4694 mm; width, 1800 mm; wheelbase, 2,735 mm; weight, 1,360 kg

COMPETITION

Hyundai Elantra N-Line, Mazda3 GT, Volkswagen Jetta GLI

More on the Honda Civic here.