Refreshed 2020 Civic Si on the way with updated styling and new tech

While it doesn’t set enthusiasts hearts aflutter as much as its full-boil Type R sibling does, the Honda Civic Si is still a pretty capable performance compact. For 2020, it will get some value-added tech improvements and a facelift to bring it in line with the revised Civic styling first seen on the 2019 Civic in normal trim.

Along with a new fascia and grille up front, both the Civic Si coupe and sedan will come with the Touring models’ LED headlamps. The rear end gets a refreshed look as well, and matte-black 18-inch aluminum wheels are now standard equipment. The interior gets some new red accents.

Other than the styling changes, the biggest difference is that the Si models now come standard with the Honda Sensing group of driver-assist and safety features, including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, road-departure mitigation, and lane-departure warning. Though Honda has discontinued the feature on some models in favor of just a mirror-mounted warning light, the Civic Si also comes with Honda’s LaneWatch blind spot camera that is activated with the turn signal.

The only mechanical change is a six-percent-shorter final-drive ratio for better “acceleration feel.” No performance data has been released yet, so we’re not sure if that will actually reduce the 2019 Civic S’s 6.3 (coupe with summer tires) and 6.7 (sedan with all-seasons) 0–60 mph times or if it will just make it feel faster. All Civic Si models come with a turbocharged 1.5-liter, 205-hp, 192 lb-ft, four-cylinder engine; a six-speed manual transmission; a limited-slip differential; and adjustable shock absorbers.

Both the 2020 Honda Civic Si coupe and Si sedan will start at $25,930 (including destination charges). At just $700 more than the outgoing 2019 Si models, that seems like a bargain considering the tech upgrades. (That’s $1665 less than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, for you comparison shoppers.)

The 2020 Civic Si coupe and Si sedan will arrive at Honda dealers in early September.