The 2020 Honda Civic Si: It’s just a little thing, but....
The Black Edition Pilot’s cabin is, if not outright sumptuous, tasteful, spacious and highly functional as well as all-day comfortable. Everything (including the e-brake switch) is where it should be, and we are finally becoming accustomed to Honda’s unique low-profile push/pull-button gear selector. Features range from a driver’s head-up display to a panoramic sunroof and a rear defroster that shuts itself off, as well as connectivity, charging plugs and apps galore. (Photo courtesy Silvio Calabi)
Changes to the Pilot for 2025 are minimal; one of them is the addition of this top-end trim package called the Black Edition. This color, however, is Radiant Red. (Photo courtesy Silvio Calabi)
The Black Edition Pilot’s cabin is, if not outright sumptuous, tasteful, spacious and highly functional as well as all-day comfortable. Everything (including the e-brake switch) is where it should be, and we are finally becoming accustomed to Honda’s unique low-profile push/pull-button gear selector. Features range from a driver’s head-up display to a panoramic sunroof and a rear defroster that shuts itself off, as well as connectivity, charging plugs and apps galore. (Photo courtesy Silvio Calabi)
Changes to the Pilot for 2025 are minimal; one of them is the addition of this top-end trim package called the Black Edition. This color, however, is Radiant Red. (Photo courtesy Silvio Calabi)
To anyone who enjoys cars, the Si—the sporting Honda Civic—strikes the right balance between old-fashioned, involved, three-pedal driving and creeping digitalis, the blight of beeps, chimes, LEDs and prompts meant to protect us.
The Si’s safety systems in no way intrude on its dynamic integrity and fun. Electronics mess up only the throttle response, which would be quicker if there were an actual wire connecting the pedal to the gas—which in turn would make heel-and-toe downshifting possible. Otherwise, rowing a stick through a 6-speed gearbox like this one by hand is more satisfying (if slower and less efficient) than paddle-shifting an automatic transmission.
With 205 HP and nearly as much torque, the turbo Four (just 1.5 liters!) produces enough front-wheel torque steer to remind us again that driving is participatory, not passive. And finally, the cabin is spacious, comfortable and, again, driver-friendly. Brilliant.
—Silvio Calabi
