Finding a car that balances driving fun with practicality isn’t easy, especially if you’re set on a manual transmission. Most fuel-efficient sedans sacrifice excitement for economy, while performance-focused models often guzzle gas. But there’s one standout that delivers the best of both worlds.
This compact sedan pairs a slick-shifting six-speed manual with a turbocharged engine, offering punchy accelerationwithout hurting your wallet at the pump. It’s quick enough to satisfy spirited drivers, yet efficient enough to make sense for daily commuting. Add in precise steering and a lightweight chassis, and you’ve got a sedan that’s engaging on twisty roads and easy to live with.
What makes this car even more appealing is its accessible price and proven reliability. It’s a rare example of a car that’s both fun and functional, the kind of sedan that reminds you why manuals still matter. Here’s why it might be the perfect all-rounder.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The 2025 Honda Civic Si Is the Whole Package
If you’re looking for an affordable sports sedan that offers great levels of practicality as well as being particularly efficient, then there isn’t a better option than the Honda Civic Si. It sits between the more pedestrian Civic and the raucous Type R, offeringthe best of both worlds.
Civic Si
$30,250
Choosing the best Honda Civic Si trim is easy, as there is only one option. It is fully equipped with all the gear that you might want, from modern amenities and technology to high-quality interior materials. The only decisions that you will have to make is what color you want it to be and whether you want all-season or summer tires.
There are a ton of fun sports compact cars out there that are easy on the budget, but none quite as affordable as the Civic Si, baring perhaps the Golf GTI. It may not be as powerful as the segment’s top options, but its finely tuned chassis and slick-shifting manual transmission mean that it delivers a ton of fun.
Changes For 2025
For 2025, Honda has made changes to a number of its vehicles, updating exterior styling to be more uniform. The Civic Si gets a similar refresh, with new lighting elements and a newly designed front and rear end. A new Urban Gray color option is also available for an additional $455.
More changes have been made on the inside than the outside. Heated front seats are now standard, and you also get a fresh digital gauge display. The infotainment screen is now running updated software, now running on Google’s platform. Honda also says that they have stiffened the suspension tune slightly.
Warranties and Maintenance
Honda keeps the value rolling with their competitive warranty package. It may not be class-leading in any way, but it matches most of its direct rivals. Honda also includes the cost of your first oil change, including other basic maintenace, which gives you some additional peace of mind.
A Turbocharged Four-Cylinder and Six-Speed Manual Combine for Maximum Fun
If you’re a driving enthusiast on a budget, then a turbo four-banger and a manual transmission are the perfect combination. While the Civic Si isn’t exactly the quickest car on the road, it delivers more than enough power and it is designed in a way thatprioritizes driving enjoymentabove all else.
200 HP
192 LB-FT
0-60 MPH
Top Speed
135 MPH
The sole setup for the Civic Si is a turbocharged four-cylinder with a six-speed manual transmission. There is currently no automatic option available, but we’re not really torn up about that due to how good the manual is. It also now has a rev-match feature for those that haven’t quite mastered heel-and-toeing. Also standard is a limited-slip differential.
When pushed hard, the four-cylinder can sound a little coarse, but it puts power down well and there isn’t really any lag from the turbocharger. The Si rides on a firmer suspension setup than the regular Civic, but it never rides harshly. It also comes with bigger brake rotors.
27 MPG
37 MPG
31 MPG
The Honda Civic Si sits between the regular Civic and the Type R in a number of ways, including efficiency. The bump in power and performance means that it is a little heavier on fuel than the regular model, but it doesn’t yet come close to the Type R. It is a good balance of frugality and speed, hitting the sweet spot.
Safety and Driver Assists
Honda has included plenty of safety and driver-assist features in the Civic Si as standard kit. Their safety suite is pretty comprehensive, including a number of warnings and automated systems that help to avoid collisions. The sedan also features adaptive cruise control, taking away some of the strain that your daily commute puts on you.
When it comes to crash testing, the Civic Si has excelled. The NHTSA gives Honda’s sporty sedan five stars out of five for safety. The IIHS has also put it through the ringer, granting it the Top Safety Pick award. This means it is easily one of the safest new cars currently available to buy.
The Civic Si Is Spacious Enough to Use as a Daily Driver
While there are some affordable sports cars at this price point that may give the Si a run for its money when it comes to performance and agility, there are few that are quite as practical. The benefit of four doors and a spacious trunk can not be understated with a car that is trying to be the complete package. Itslist of standard featuresis also pretty comprehensive.
Cargo Capacity
14.1 Cubic Feet
For a compact car, the Civic Si is pretty spacious. Those in the front seats have a ton of space to stretch their legs, and enough headroom for taller than average drivers. In the back, headroom doesn’t drop all that much and there is still more than enough space for the legs of your passengers.
The interior is designed to be much the same as the regular Civic, just with sportier elements used throughout. This includes things like red-stitched performance. Dual-zone climate control is standard, as are heated front seats. On top of this you get a moonroof that lets in plenty of natural light.
Infotainment and Technology
The Si comes standard with the nine-inch infotainment screen that you only find on the top trims of the regular Civic. It pops up from the center of the dashboard and runs the latest Google-based infotainment software. There isn’t too much reliance on the touchscreen, though, with a physical volume dial and a number of other buttons for key functions. A 10.2-inch digital gauge display is also now standard.
Every Si comes with the ability to connect wirelessly via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. As well as this, a 12-speaker Bose sound system is standard, delivering some pretty crisp audio for this price point. Other connected features come standard as well, including smart entry and allowing you keyless entry to your Si, as well as it locking itself automatically when you walk away.
