Dreaming Up The Perfect Honda Civic: A Mythical Civic Si Hybrid Hatchback
Folks, I just got back from driving a couple of new Honda Civics, the facelifted 2025 versions of the Si and Hatchback Hybrid. They were both brilliant little cars in their own ways, but I know what would make them even better: combining the two. What I need Honda to do is take a couple of really great cars and turn them into a single excellent one.
2023 Civic Type R: How It Looks
Both of these cars have a few elements that the other one desperately needs, and because of that I’ve come up with the perfect Civic in my mind: the Civic Si Hybrid Hatchback. It’s a brilliant idea, and Honda, if you’re reading this, please make it happen. I will be the first person to buy it, I promise.
The Motor: Civic Hatchback Hybrid
Photo: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
OK, so the first thing we do is take the 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and dual-motor hybrid setup from the Hybrid Hatchback. This little unit makes 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, which is the same amount of horsepower as the Civic Si’s turbocharged 1.5-liter motor but with a 40 lb-ft advantage. Because it’s a hybrid, that torque is also available from 0 RPM. That means the Hybrid is actually a bit faster than the Si despite its 300-pound weight disadvantage.
I also really do not think there’s any reason to keep a hybrid motor out of a Civic Si. It’s not like it has a high-revving naturally aspirated motor anymore. Nothing would be lost by adding the more powerful motor to the Si. Another huge benefit of this move would be greatly improved fuel economy — not that the Si’s is bad by any means, but the Civic Hybrid gets 50 mpg city. That’s nothing to sneeze at.
The Transmission: Civic Si
Photo: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
No Honda Civic Si would be complete without a slick manual transmission, and that’s no different in my dream scenario. Sure, Honda’s hybrid system doesn’t really have a transmission (it’s more of a generator with some sort of direct-drive techy nerd stuff), so some engineering will have to be done to bolt a manual transmission to the back of the powertrain, but if anyone can do it, Honda engineers can. After all, manual hybrids are nothing new for Honda. The original Insight, the CR-Z and older Civic Hybrids were all available with manual transmissions, and my Civic Si Hybrid will be no different.
I suppose you could keep the automatic option too. I know that goes against the ethos of the Civic Si, but not everyone is able to or wants to drive a manual. I’m a realist.
The Suspension and Handling: Civic Si
Photo: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
Yes, the Civic Hybrid Hatchback’s suspension and handling are really good for a hybrid, but it’s missing that planted, connected and sporty feel you get with the Si. Because of that, I’m throwing the Civic Si’s suspension and handling into this concoction. The Civic Si has always been about getting around corners in a really satisfying way, and my creation will be no different.
The Body: Civic Hatchback
Photo: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
It should be illegal that Honda only offers the Civic Si as a sedan when it has a perfectly good hatchback body just lying around. Not only would this be better for aesthetic reasons, because hatchbacks are better than sedans, but it would just be more practical, and that’s what the Si is about. Think of how much more luggage you could fit in the hatch and how comfy your buddies in the back seat would be.
This is a no-brainer to me, and Honda sort of thinks so too. Just look at the Acura Integra A-Spec. That car is pretty much a reskinned Civic Si, and it’s a hatchback! Give the people what they want, Honda.
Interior: Both
Photo: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
They’re the same. I guess we’ll take the Si’s bucket seats, but that’s about it. There’s no real difference and the Hybrid Hatch’s seats are also super comfy.
Ok, Honda, you know what to do. I expect to see the Civic Si Hatch on showroom floors within the next year and I am demanding a slight royalty on every single one sold. No, I don’t care that this concoction may take away from Civic Type R sales. That isn’t my problem. The people yearn for hybrid hot hatches, and Honda is in the best position to make them a reality.
I just know Honda can make this happen if Mike Pence has the courage.
Photo: Andy Kalmowitz / Jalopnik
