
The 1.8L Lingpai is a four-cylinder model. Its engine is produced by Dongfeng Honda's engine plant. The engine model of the Lingpai is P10A3, with a maximum power of 90kW and a maximum torque of 173Nm. For daily maintenance of the Lingpai's engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, select SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil based on the additional devices in the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions; for diesel engines, choose CB--CD grade diesel engine oil according to mechanical load. The selection standard should not be lower than the manufacturer's requirements; Regularly change the oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, its performance deteriorates, leading to various engine problems. To avoid malfunctions, change the oil regularly according to usage conditions and maintain an appropriate oil level; When oil passes through the fine holes of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances in the oil accumulate in the filter. If the filter is clogged and oil cannot pass through the filter element, it may rupture the filter element or open the safety valve, bypassing the filter and carrying contaminants back to the lubrication areas, accelerating engine wear and increasing internal pollution; Regularly clean the crankcase. During engine operation, high-pressure unburned gases, acids, moisture, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and cylinder walls, mixing with metal particles from component wear to form sludge. Small amounts remain suspended in the oil, while larger amounts precipitate, clogging filters and oil passages, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear; Regularly use radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures normal engine operation but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.

I drove a Honda for several years and remember the previous Lingpai indeed had a 1.8L four-cylinder engine, which was smooth, reliable, and very comfortable for long drives. However, the new Lingpai models have all switched to a 1.0T three-cylinder engine since Honda updated the design after 2019, mainly to improve fuel efficiency and meet emission standards. While the three-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient, it can sometimes vibrate more noticeably, especially at idle. If you particularly prefer the feel of a four-cylinder, I’d recommend considering a used older Lingpai, such as a 2017 model, or looking at other cars in the same segment like the Toyota Corolla, which still offers four-cylinder options. Overall, driven by electrification and energy-saving trends, many car models, including the Lingpai, are shifting toward smaller displacements or hybrid powertrains.

From a technical perspective, the Lingpai initially had a 1.8L four-cylinder engine model. However, in recent years, Honda has optimized its product lineup, and now it exclusively features a 1.0L three-cylinder turbocharged unit, with no four-cylinder version available. This shift is because three-cylinder engines can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Although the power output isn't as smooth as a four-cylinder, Honda has employed vibration suppression technology to make it relatively smooth to drive. Having researched numerous models, I've found this change reflects an industry-wide trend, with many brands like Ford and BMW also promoting three-cylinder engines. If engine stability is a priority, there are still plenty of four-cylinder options in the used car market, such as the Nissan Sylphy. In short, when buying a new car, you'll have to accept that the Lingpai only comes with a three-cylinder engine.

I usually follow automotive news. The previous generation of the Lingpai was equipped with a four-cylinder engine, such as the 1.8L version, which was quiet and powerful to drive. However, the new models have all switched to three-cylinder engines, mainly due to increasingly stringent environmental regulations, with three-cylinders saving nearly 20% on fuel. Although the smaller displacement sacrifices some smoothness, I've test-driven the new Lingpai, and it's sufficient for daily commuting. If you're looking to buy a new car, the Lingpai now focuses on three-cylinder engines, with no four-cylinder options available. It might be worth waiting for the hybrid version to come out, as its performance will be closer to that of a traditional four-cylinder. If you're considering other options like the Honda Civic, some of its models still offer four-cylinder engines, but the Lingpai has shifted towards a new direction focused on economic practicality.


