What are the modes of the Civic Si?
In brief, the Civic Si provides three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Si, with Si serving as the performance-focused setting. The Si is paired with Honda’s manual transmission and does not offer an automatic option.
Drive modes explained
The Civic Si lets drivers tailor throttle response, steering feel, and stability control to the road or track. Here is how each mode affects the car’s behavior.
- Normal: The default setting, prioritizing comfort and daily drivability. Throttle input is gradual, steering remains light and predictable, and stability control operates in its standard production configuration for everyday use.
- Sport: A more engaged driving experience with quicker throttle response and a firmer steering feel. This mode emphasizes livelier acceleration and a more connected sense of road feel, while stability control remains present but less intrusive than in Normal.
- Si: The performance-oriented setting. It sharpens throttle response and enhances driver involvement, with stability-control intervention toned down to allow more precise handling by the driver. Si mode is designed for spirited driving and is only available with the manual transmission.
Switching between these modes lets the driver adapt to city traffic, winding roads, or track-style sessions, with Si representing the upper end of the Civic Si’s dynamic range.
Activation and interface
Where to find the drive-mode control
The drive-mode selector is located on the center console. Pressing or toggling the control cycles through Normal, Sport, and Si, with a display in the instrument cluster indicating the active mode. The gear lever remains manually operated, as the Civic Si is offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission.
In practical terms, ordinary daily driving can stay in Normal, enjoyable weekend drives can switch to Sport, and a more engaged, track-ready feel can be activated with Si.
Summary
The Civic Si offers three drive modes—Normal, Sport, and Si—with Si the dedicated performance mode. The car remains manual-only, and each mode adjusts throttle mapping, steering feel, and the level of stability-control intervention to suit different driving conditions and preferences.
