- Honda says an all-new version of sporty Civic Si will return in coming years.
- Inventory of existing models is expected to last into 2027.
- Announcement does not impact Honda Civic Type R or Acura Integra Type S.
There are very few vehicles in the United States available with a manual transmission, and recent news from Honda may mean even fewer options are on the horizon. MotorTrend recently reported that the automaker is pausing production of the turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission that power the Honda Civic Si and Acura Integra A-Spec, effective immediately.
Honda has now confirmed that the Si will return with the next-gen Civic, which is expected for the 2028 model year. The return of a manual transmission Integra A-Spec is a big “If” for now, and would likely happen in 2028 at the earliest. A Honda spokesperson told Kelley Blue Book that the pause only affects manual-equipped versions of the Integra A-Spec. The current Civic Si is only available with a manual gearbox.
If you’re paying attention, you’ll notice that Honda only confirmed the Civic Si’s return but didn’t commit to giving it a manual transmission. In announcing the pause, Lance Woelfer, VP of Auto Sales at Honda Motor Company, said, “The Honda Civic Si has set the standard for affordable performance for four decades, and the all-new next-generation Civic Si will carry that tradition forward for enthusiast drivers when it returns to the Honda lineup.”
While the automaker said it was confident that current supplies would be adequate through early 2027, the uncertainty around a next-gen car with a manual option is concerning for enthusiasts. Honda did note that this is the fourth production pause for the Civic Si since its introduction in 1986.
This announcement does not impact the high-performance Honda Civic Type R or the Acura Integra Type S, which come standard with a manual transmission. Both are far more expensive than the more budget-friendly Civic Si and Integra A-Spec, though. The good news is that Honda has been relatively committed to its fun-to-drive models, so there’s a good chance both return with a manual.
Honda’s press release didn’t state the reasoning behind the pause, but a purportedly leaked dealer memo has been making its way around the internet that blames the shift on uncertain emissions regulations, stating that, “As EPA regulations become clear, Honda will assess how best to proceed with the impacted trims.”
