The new Honda Civic Si challenges the all-powerful Type R

The sporty version of the Civic will go on sale in 2017 with a limited-slip differential, the successful six-speed manual gearbox, and an engine that could reach 220 CV of power.

The Honda Civic SI has made its debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, where it will be displayed alongside a Type R that will show its interior for the first time. This sporty version of the Civic range will go on sale in 2017 alongside the Sedan, Coupe and hatchback versions.

The renewed little brother of the Type R introduces several improvements that make it especially sporty.

“With the new SI we are injecting even more sportiness into our tenth generation of the Civic.” says Jeff Conrad, managing director of Honda.

Conrad has also promised that “this will be the fastest and best-handling Civic SI offered to date”.

The new Civic Si features a sporty aerodynamic kit with new front and rear splitters, a revised rear spoiler and 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the central exhaust pipe recalls the shape of the Megane RS.

As for the engine, it will use a upgraded version of the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder VTEC (direct injection) powerplant with an output that could reach 220 CV. This engine also includes a variable valve timing system that helps deliver maximum torque, fuel savings and cleaner emissions. The engine is paired with the successful six-speed manual gearbox that was so well received in the previous version of the Type R. This gearbox has a very short throw between gears, which makes it very sporty.

The new Civic Si also introduces a limited-slip differential, new suspension and active steering systems, and high-performance tyres.

As for the interior, red details predominate, highlighted by the front sports seats with the embroidered SI logo. An interior lighting system and aluminium sports pedals round off the interior of the Civic Si.

It is worth noting that the Civic range will be completed in 2017 with a track-oriented Civic Type-R.