From our everyday commutes and errands to a scenic work trip up to Ogden and another to Heber City, the Civic Si didn’t just hold its own — it made every mile more engaging. With its 6-speed manual transmission, smart tech features and sharp styling, this trim of Honda’s beloved compact sedan reminded us why the Civic continues to be a favorite for drivers of all ages.

Manual transmission magic

Let’s just start with the most fun part — the 6-speed manual transmission. In an era where stick shifts are becoming rarer than ever, Honda continues to offer a proper manual in the Civic Si, and we’re grateful. Even more impressive is the rev-matching technology, which helps smooth out downshifts by automatically adjusting engine speed to match the next gear. It made Craig feel like a professional driver each time he blipped the throttle and eased into a lower gear without any jerkiness or delay.

There’s a natural rhythm to shifting gears manually that connects driver and car in a way no automatic ever will. Whether we were navigating Springville city streets, climbing Provo Canyon or merging onto the freeway, the Civic Si rewarded smooth inputs with responsive acceleration and tight handling.

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Daily driver duties

Throughout the week, the Civic Si served as our primary transportation, and it couldn’t have performed better. Craig used it each day to run work errands around Utah County, making frequent trips to Provo and Orem. Despite the spirited nature of the car, we were able to average an impressive 39.5 miles per gallon over the week. That kind of efficiency in a car that’s this fun to drive feels like winning the automotive lottery.

With fuel prices still fluctuating, it was reassuring to know we could get through a whole week of commuting, errands and road trips without needing to refuel more than once. And while it’s sporty in nature, the Civic Si still offers the comfort and practicality you’d expect in a daily driver — supportive front seats, a spacious trunk and great visibility.

Road trip ready: Ogden bound

Midweek brought an exciting opportunity to drive the Civic north to Ogden, where Craig visited Lindquist Field — home of the Ogden Raptors — to scout the site in preparation for a special baseball event the Standard-Examiner is hosting later this summer. The route included a healthy mix of I-15 highway driving and some slower-paced city navigation once we arrived.

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The Civic was a great companion on the 180-mile round trip. Its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produced 200 horsepower — just the right amount to make merging and passing feel confident without overwhelming the chassis. Honda has tuned the suspension on the Si trim to be sportier than the standard Civic, and he could feel that extra sharpness in corners and on winding ramps.

On the highway, the car cruised comfortably with minimal road noise, and the adaptive cruise control (part of Honda Sensing) helped reduce fatigue during longer stretches. He arrived in Ogden refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Scenic drive to Heber City

Later in the week, Craig made his way up to Heber City for a work outing — another excuse to enjoy some quality time behind the wheel on one of our favorite routes. Taking the Civic up Provo Canyon, past Deer Creek Reservoir and into the Heber Valley was a joy. The winding roads allowed the Civic to stretch its legs a bit more, and that’s when the Si really came alive.

The precise steering, well-balanced chassis, and manual gearbox made each curve an event. Yet the ride never felt harsh or punishing. Honda has found that sweet spot where sportiness meets comfort — something we truly appreciated during the two-hour round trip.

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In Heber, he stopped for lunch with colleagues and was surprised at how many people took notice of the Civic Si. The 2025 model sports a subtle redesign with cleaner lines, blacked-out trim pieces and a new front grille that adds to its aggressive look.

Cabin comforts and tech

Inside, the Civic Si continued to impress. The front sport seats were heavily bolstered and featured red contrast stitching and Si embroidery — they looked and felt like they belonged in a much pricier performance car. The red accents carried through the dash and door panels, giving the whole cabin a sporty vibe without being over-the-top.

We appreciated the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It made it easy to queue up directions, playlists and calls without needing to fumble with cables.

And while the Si trim is focused on performance, Honda hasn’t skimped on safety. The Honda Sensing suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking and road departure mitigation. These features worked seamlessly in the background and provided peace of mind throughout our busy week.

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Practical and affordable

With a starting MSRP of just over $30,000, the 2025 Civic Si represents tremendous value. It offered a level of driving engagement and refinement that’s hard to find at its price point, especially with a manual transmission. Yet it remained practical for real-world use, with great fuel economy, room for four adults and a large trunk for groceries or luggage.

At the end of the week

The 2025 Honda Civic Si struck an outstanding balance between fun and function. It brought back the joy of driving with its slick manual transmission, engaging powertrain, and sharp handling — yet it remained sensible enough to use every day. For us, it served as a willing workhorse and an exciting escape, sometimes in the same trip.

Whether we were running errands, taking a road trip or simply enjoying a scenic drive, the Civic Si made the journey more memorable. And with a 39.5 mpg average for the week, it proved that spirited driving doesn’t have to come at the cost of efficiency.

Base price: $30,250

Destination charge: $1,095

Price as driven: $31,800