Honda has already revealed updates for the 2019 Civic, announcing a handful of interior changes and adding a new sport trim last August. However, the sporting Civic Si wasn’t included as part of that corporate proclamation. Fortunately, Honda didn’t forget about it. The brand simply wanted to leave some breathing room between announcements, as this is a big one.
That’s right, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. The Honda Civic Si is finally getting bigger cupholders.
Have you ever tried sticking a Big Gulp in the center console of that particular vehicle? Me neither; it would surely impede operation of the stick shift. But carting around oversized beverages is about to become a whole lot easier, the manufacturer claims. Other changes are on tap for 2019, like massively improved interior controls, but we wanted to lead with the truly juicy stuff.
The 2019 Honda Civic Si receives an updated infotainment system with a new interface that includes a volume knob and physical buttons for key functions. Honda also said it improved Bluetooth integration for easier device pairing, but we’re much more interested in that volume knob. This has to be the biggest complaint we’ve heard from anyone who’s piloted a late-model Honda.
Thankfully, the manufacturer listened — the knobs make an appearance throughout the 2019 Civic line, with other models returning to normal volume control practices as well. Honda did the world a solid by adding some physical buttons to the Civic Si’s HVAC controls. It also claims to have developed intuitive steering wheel controls and an improved electronic parking brake switch. Frankly, the volume knob would have been enough for us.
Honda also adds Platinum White Pearl to the Civic Si’s exterior color palette, with the coupe having exclusive access to Tonic Yellow Pearl. You’ll no longer have access to the summer tire package as a factory option, though it remains available from your dealer.
Powertrain options remain unchanged. The model’s 1.5-liter turbocharged four-banger will continue producing 205 horsepower, and the very nice six-speed manual transmission carries over. That’s totally fine, as it means it will remain one of the most enjoyable front-drive autos one can purchase.
You’re probably still wondering about those cupholders, though. Exactly how much they’ve been scaled up is a complete mystery. Honda didn’t give any specific measurements and the item is mysteriously absent from the provided press images. Perhaps the manufacturer thinks it can trick people into heading over to the dealership to see for themselves. After all, this isn’t the kind of thing one can easily resist.
The 2019 Honda Civic Si Sedan and Coupe begin arriving at dealerships at the very start of November. Pricing for both the coupe and sedan start at $25,195, including destination. If you buy one, please send us a photo of it holding onto the biggest cup you can find.
[Images: Honda]
It’s still slow, and handles like a pig. Have driven the 10gen Si twice for extended period, it’s a piece of junk and won’t receive any of my money.
Huh? Slow and poor handling compared to what?
It also has those two big black squares on the back that make it look utterly ridiculous…
What? You don’t like the Battlestar Galactica design language?
Think while they were redoing the console, they could have found room for a vape holder. Maybe next year.
“Battlestar Galactica design language” You nailed it. This is by far the ugliest generation of Civics so far. Over styled in every possible way.
Goes with the times it seems. Over styled is the current design language, particularly the Japanese big three.
The way I see it, it’s a good way to get a EX-T with a manual since they have discontinued that model for 19 and now require buyers to buy the “Sport” to get a manual. Market research shows that buyers who sip Starbucks Latte’s only want “Sporty Paddle shifters” and sunroofs/Leather.
I see the SI as the ability to get a manual Civic with some options, not available on the regular Civic.
Exactly. I’m shopping in this segment (200ish hp, stick, cheap) and it’s nice to know if it’s an Si on the lot it’s a stick. It is ugly though, but the Elantra Sport is hard to come by w/ a stick and the GTI is just enough more(and no Sport trim,) to probably discourage me. I’m not looking for a sports car, I just need a moderately peppy commuter with a stick.
The enlarged cupholders are going to guarantee that it will be a smashing sales success.
I’ve noticed that many manufacturers are starting to design cupholders to account for those square coconut water boxes.
(Eye roll)
Good one!
Agreed. I was pretty unimpressed with it last year but now I’m sold.
The Si used to be special looking, now it looks like the rest of the lineup but somehow even uglier? Even the wheels are the same one as in the Sport and Touring.
The only SI that has ever been special looking is the 2001-2005 one, and that is just because North America did not get the normal Civic hatchback it was based on. The Civic SI has always looked like the rest of the lineup, just with different wheels, a few stickers, and a (usually ugly) wing out back.
This is a kid’s car. Silly aesthetics, ridiculous fake vents and grills. I would be embarrassed to drive this around other adults.
I hate fake vents! It’s one thing to over style a car but its a whole other level when you put fake holes in (on?) it. One of things I like most about my C7 is all the vents serve a valid purpose.
I rally don’t understand why buy this over Elantra sport? why?
1) Quicker
2) Better handling
3) FAR better steering
4) One of the best gearbox/clutch setups you will find at any price
5) Two door option (assuming that kind of thing’s important to you, of course)
(Elantra Sport’s still a damn nice piece, though, and for twenty grand or less, which is what it’s selling for in these parts, it’s tempting…just avoid the automatic.)
The blue is a pretty nice blue as well, even if the red is underwhelming. Just not a big selection of base sports + stick here in SoCal,vastly outnumbered by autos. You’ll have to order I’ll bet.
Mike,
1-3 – I disagree, ok its 4 clicks quicker. 4 – CLutch is better but gearbox not really.
Then there is 6 – brakes. This is where Si is nowhere near Elantra Sport.
Why get either one when you can have the real thing for not much more – a GTI?
1: resale 2: residuals 3: all manuals
Drew,
If I would buy a car based on resale value, my life would be “black and white”. I want some color, even if it costs more. In case with Si vs ES, you pay 5-6K less for ES to begin with
Well, for 5K it’s a no brainer. Around here it seems to be maybe 2.
Apologies but I would rather ride a bicycle than roll in a Hyundai, any Hyundai. I’ve been inside a few and they’re cheap-ass ugly pieces of Korean trash inside. Sorry, no sale here.
Does it get Honda’s Sensing suite of driver aids?
I have to say that’s a nice looking cockpit. And huzzah for volume and HVAC knobs!
I sat in one of these, looks super cheap and the style in general is ridiculous, no taste.
It is 1974 with respect to automotive design. This car has more crap tacked on it than any Brougham ever did.
The new Civics really turn me off, primarily because it is the most over-styled vehicle to come along in many years. For what? Perhaps to cover over its shortcomings? I’m not sure what they would be. Comfort? Power? Convenience of connectivity? I really don’t know.
Although the Civic has become a sort of icon of reliability, and our son’s 2011 Civic SI is a nice car, I feel the designers have been allowed to go too far.
Oh well, they tried…