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Earlier this week, Honda unveiled the 2025 Civic Si. While the new model won’t see significant changes for the upcoming year, one notable addition piqued my interest: Honda is now offering buyers the option to upgrade from the standard Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires to the summer-specific Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 tires. Priced at a reasonable $300, I appreciate that Si owners can opt for better grip from the factory. However, I’m even more pleased that the all-season tires will still be available.
I can already picture the puzzled expressions among our typical readers—yes, you are indeed on The Drive Dot Com. Allow me to elaborate. In my younger days, I bought a new Ford Fiesta ST that came equipped solely with Bridgestone Potenza R3050A summer tires, as there were no alternative options from Ford. At that time, being in my early 20s and residing in New Jersey, I lacked knowledge about tires and considered summer tires an unnecessary choice. I wasn’t driving a Focus RS or an EcoBoost Mustang, and I wasn’t worried about maximizing the 197 horsepower of my Orange Spice sneaker. Honestly, I was more concerned with getting the car home without stalling.
I loved that car, and I like to think it loved me back. It helped me become a better driver, not just because it encouraged me to learn manual transmission. Yet, throughout my years of ownership, the stock tires didn’t greatly enhance my driving experience. During winter, I switched to Michelin X-Ice tires on steel wheels, which were enjoyable even when there was no snow. When both tire sets wore out, I opted for all-season Continental DWS06 Plus tires on smaller Sparco Terra rims. That combination felt fantastic, and I no longer worried about unexpected October snowfalls.
Some might argue that true car enthusiasts should invest in an additional set of tires or take the time to swap them out every six months. I partly agree, but it also comes down to practical considerations. Just to clarify, my comments pertain specifically to models like the Fiesta ST, Civic Si, and Volkswagen Jetta GLI. When you elevate to the next tier of performance cars boasting around 300 horsepower or featuring rear-wheel drive, those assumptions shift. It’s also important to point out that if I lived in a colder climate, winter tires would be essential, regardless of the vehicle.
From a performance standpoint, it’s a misconception that buyers interested in the Civic Si would also expect to purchase an additional set of wheels and tires for half the year. While having different tire sets can certainly enhance enjoyment, it’s not a necessity for these vehicles. Thus, offering it as a factory option accommodates everyone’s needs. Quality ultra-high-performance all-season tires, like the previously mentioned Continentals, would serve well as standard equipment. I haven’t personally tried the Eagle Sports, but they reportedly don’t rank among the best in their category.
What truly makes the Civic Si exceptional—and emphasizes the need for more compact sedans and hatchbacks like it—is its versatility. If you’re in the market for an affordable, track-friendly car, it’s well-suited for that. However, it also caters perfectly to those seeking to make their daily commutes more enjoyable. Honda’s thoughtful approach to offering a range of tire options reflects these differing but equally valid use cases. Other manufacturers would be wise to take note.
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