What are the differences between National V and National VI standards for the Civic?
4 Answers
The differences between National V and National VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: The National VI emission standard is more than 30% stricter than National V. Excluding the influence of working conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different implementation times: The National V standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, as the fifth stage of national motor vehicle emission standards. The National VI standard was implemented on July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the National V stage, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different issuing departments: The National V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, while the National VI standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: National V is represented by 'V,' while National VI is represented by 'VI.' Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Compared to National V, National VI has improved monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. The National V standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. National VI has two standards: National VIa and National VIb, as follows: National VIa standard limits: Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 700 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. National VIb standard limits: Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 500 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 35 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 35 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 3 milligrams of PM fine particles per kilometer driven. Affected by the National VI emission policy, although National V vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use, without traffic or license plate restrictions, their resale value is significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck for freight transport with a loan, the vehicle's depreciation after paying off the loan is equivalent to the net profit earned during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, National VI vehicles, with longer service life and more road rights, have greater advantages.
After years of driving, I feel the biggest difference between Civic's China 5 and China 6 standards lies in environmental regulations. China 6 has much stricter emission limits, particularly for carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, so manufacturers added GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) to capture particles. This might cause slightly slower throttle response and a minor fuel consumption increase, but the air becomes significantly cleaner. The price difference at purchase is a few thousand yuan with China 6 being slightly more expensive, but long-term value retention is much better - especially in cities with driving restrictions like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen where China 5 vehicles face direct road bans while China 6 enjoys free mobility. During annual inspections, China 6 models pass more easily. Driven by environmental policies, I recommend choosing China 6 unless the budget is extremely tight. It's truly cost-effective, hassle-free, and contributes to pollution reduction for society.
As an average car owner, I compared the buying experience between the Civic's China 5 and China 6 emission standards models and noticed significant differences. The China 6 emission-upgraded new model didn't feel much less powerful, just quieter at startup. The technician mentioned during maintenance that it has a more complex sensor system, which might increase repair costs, but it's much more environmentally friendly—hydrocarbon emissions are nearly halved, benefiting health. New China 6 cars also enjoy more policy benefits like purchase tax reductions and sometimes local subsidies, saving money. In the used car market, China 5 models depreciate quickly, with rates exceeding 20%, while China 6 models hold their value better, widening the price gap over years. I recommend prioritizing China 6 versions unless you're in a non-restricted area using China 5 as a transitional choice. In short, don't just look at the sticker price—consider long-term travel and environmental impacts holistically.
After driving the Civic with China VI emission standard for a year compared to my friend's China V version, I noticed the main differences lie in environmental aspects. The emission standards are much stricter, requiring lower harmful gas emissions, and an additional filter device was installed. There's no noticeable difference while driving, but the exhaust emission reports pass annual inspections more smoothly. Fuel consumption remains basically the same. When considering purchasing, the China VI model costs about 2,000 RMB more, but it has longer maintenance intervals and supports urban green license plate policies, resulting in fewer driving restrictions.
