Is the Dongfeng Honda XR-V equipped with the Earth Dreams engine?
3 Answers
The Honda XR-V 1.5L model is equipped with Honda's Earth Dreams 1.5L naturally aspirated engine. The engine model is L15B5, with a maximum power of 96kW, maximum torque of 155Nm, and maximum horsepower of 131Ps. The engine of the Honda XR-V is not originally imported but is manufactured in China using Japanese technology, making it a domestically produced engine. For daily maintenance of the Honda XR-V engine, the following methods can be used: Use lubricating oil of the appropriate quality grade. For gasoline engines, SD--SF grade gasoline engine oil should be selected based on the additional devices of the intake and exhaust systems and usage conditions. For diesel engines, CB--CD grade diesel engine oil should be selected according to mechanical load, with the selection standard not lower than the manufacturer's requirements. Regularly change the engine oil and filter. The quality of any grade of lubricating oil will change during use. After a certain mileage, performance deteriorates, leading to various engine problems. To avoid malfunctions, change the oil regularly based on usage conditions and maintain an appropriate oil level. When oil passes through the fine pores of the filter, solid particles and viscous substances accumulate in the filter. If the filter is clogged and oil cannot pass through, the filter may burst or the safety valve may open, allowing oil to bypass through the bypass valve and carry 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. In small amounts, it remains suspended in the oil; in large amounts, it precipitates, clogging filters and oil passages, making engine lubrication difficult and causing wear. Regularly use a radiator cleaner to clean the radiator. Removing rust and scale not only ensures the engine operates normally but also extends the overall lifespan of the radiator and engine.
As someone very familiar with Honda's technology, I must say the XR-V's performance depends on the specific version. The older 1.8L model doesn't use the Earth Dreams engine, instead employing Honda's earlier i-VTEC technology - reliable but less fuel efficient. The true Earth Dreams version is the 1.5L naturally aspirated model with the L15B engine code, featuring direct injection technology, high compression ratio, strong power output and excellent fuel economy. While the new 1.5T turbocharged version has impressive specs, strictly speaking it doesn't belong to the traditional Earth Dreams series. I've driven my friend's 1.5L Earth Dreams XR-V - city fuel consumption was just over 6L/100km, even better on highways. Just be aware that direct injection engines are prone to carbon buildup, requiring frequent throttle body cleaning during maintenance.
Having worked on so many Hondas, I can recognize the XR-V's engine with my eyes closed. The 1.5L naturally aspirated model is the genuine Earth Dreams engine, most notably identified by the blue engine cover label marked 'Earth Dreams'. When repairing it, I've disassembled the cylinder block and noticed special friction-reducing coatings inside, plus the piston design is more refined than regular engines. But be warned—the older 1.8L version uses completely different technology and parts. The newer 1.5T turbocharged engine does incorporate some Earth Dreams tech though, like the dual fuel injection system. Earth Dreams engines are indeed fuel-efficient, but their electronic throttle bodies are overly sensitive—they need cleaning every 30,000 km or so, otherwise idle vibrations become noticeable.
