2017 Honda Civic Si Review: Sporty Performance Meets Everyday Practicality

The 2017 Honda Civic Si marked a strong return for Honda’s beloved sporty compact, coming back refreshed after a one-year hiatus. Revealed in its coupe form alongside its high-performance sibling, the Civic Type R, the Si remains the go-to model for enthusiasts who want spirited driving without the premium price tag. Combining a turbocharged engine, refined suspension, and a host of sporty touches, the 2017 Civic Si delivers an engaging yet practical driving experience.

--FIRST CAR LIST HERE--

Overview: What Sets the Civic Si Apart?

While the Civic Type R grabs headlines for its track-ready performance and aggressive styling, the Civic Si appeals to a broader audience as a well-rounded performance compact car. Sporting a 205-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 engine, the Civic Si offers lively acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to naturally aspirated predecessors.

Priced in the mid-$20,000 range, it remains accessible to buyers seeking fun without breaking the bank, significantly undercutting the Type R’s expected $35,000 price point. The Si also boasts upgraded brakes, an adaptive suspension system, and distinct exterior cues that separate it from the standard Civic lineup.

--TOP ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Engine and Performance

The heart of the 2017 Civic Si is its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 205 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. This marks a departure from the naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine used in earlier Si models, yielding better fuel economy and more torque at lower RPMs.

The engine pairs exclusively with a slick six-speed manual transmission, appealing directly to driving purists who want full control. The turbocharged setup delivers a satisfying boost, making highway passing and spirited driving both effortless and fun.

0 to 60 mph comes in the low six-second range, competitive with other sport compacts. The Civic Si’s responsive throttle and well-tuned exhaust note contribute to an engaging driving experience without overwhelming daily usability.

Handling, Brakes, and Suspension

Honda enhanced the Civic Si’s chassis to match its performance upgrades. The car features larger front and rear brakes compared to the standard Civic, improving stopping power and pedal feel. The brakes are paired with an upgraded adaptive suspension system that adjusts damping to balance comfort and handling precision.

The Si’s suspension tuning offers firm yet compliant ride quality, excellent cornering grip, and reduced body roll, making it one of the sharper-handling vehicles in its segment. The adaptive dampers allow for subtle adjustment between sporty and daily-driving modes, catering to a variety of road conditions.

--SECOND CAR LIST HERE--

Exterior Styling and Features

The Civic Si wears subtle yet purposeful styling upgrades. A distinctive rear spoiler enhances aerodynamics and adds aggressive flair, while a uniquely shaped rectangular center exhaust outlet hints at its performance intent.

Other exterior touches include sportier front and rear bumpers with decorative vents, side skirts, and exclusive alloy wheels. The styling sets the Si apart from regular Civic models without venturing into the more aggressive territory of the Type R.

--FIRST CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside, the 2017 Civic Si offers sport-inspired touches such as bolstered front seats wrapped in premium materials for comfort and support during spirited drives. The cabin retains Civic’s reputation for quality, with intuitive controls and a driver-focused layout.

Standard features include a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system. The Si also offers convenient tech like push-button start and a multi-angle rearview camera, combining performance with everyday practicality.

--THIRD CAR LIST HERE--

Fuel Economy and Practicality

Thanks to the turbocharged engine, the Civic Si offers respectable fuel efficiency in its class. EPA estimates place the combined fuel economy around 29 miles per gallon, which is competitive for a sporty compact car. This makes the Si a compelling choice for buyers who want both performance and fuel savings.

With seating for five and a spacious trunk, the Civic Si remains practical for daily commuting and weekend adventures, proving that sporty driving doesn’t have to sacrifice utility.

--SECOND CONTENT ADVERTISEMENT HERE--

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2017 Civic Si includes a solid array of safety features, such as stability control, anti-lock brakes, multiple airbags, and Honda’s advanced Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) in some trims. Although it lacks some of the more advanced driver aids available on higher trims and newer models, the Si’s safety suite provides peace of mind for everyday driving.

--FORTH CAR LIST HERE--