What are the differences between National V and National VI standards for the Civic?

[Mitch]

The differences between National V and National VI emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: The National VI emission standards are more than 30% stricter than National V. Excluding the influence of driving 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. The National VI standard was implemented on July 1, 2019. Different principles: Under the National V standard, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards. However, National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different issuing authorities: The National V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The National VI standard was jointly 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 (PHEVs): Compared to National V, National VI has improved monitoring requirements for PHEVs, 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 must not emit more than 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. National VI has two standards: National VIa and National VIb. Their limits are as follows: National VIa standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM per kilometer driven. National VIb standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 milligrams of PM per kilometer driven. Affected by the National VI emission policy, although National V vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use (no driving bans or license plate restrictions), their resale value is significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the vehicle's depreciation after repaying 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, which have a longer service life and more road rights, offer greater advantages.

[MacSarah]

To be honest, the most noticeable changes when the Civic upgraded from China 5 to China 6 emission standards were the engine tuning and pollutant control adjustments. Since the China 6 standards are stricter, Honda added a gasoline particulate filter to the Civic to reduce fine particulate emissions, but this also required more complex engine management, which might slightly slow down throttle response. I feel the China 6 version doesn’t accelerate as aggressively as the China 5 model, especially at low speeds, and fuel consumption might increase by about 0.2-0.3L/100km, though it’s not a big deal for city driving. The driving experience isn’t drastically different—the China 6’s ECU programming is smarter, and false warning lights are less common. If you’re in a city with emission-based restrictions, the China 6 model avoids policy hassles and holds higher resale value. Overall, the China 5 version feels a bit wilder, while the China 6 prioritizes eco-friendliness. Both are fine for daily commuting, but the newer model is more worry-free.

[LaAllison]

As an owner of a Civic, I believe the biggest differences between China 5 and China 6 standards lie in price and emission costs. China 6-compliant vehicles are generally around 10,000 RMB more expensive due to advanced purification systems like the GPF filter, which reduces pollutants but may occasionally require carbon deposit cleaning. In terms of driving performance, the power output of China 6 models is nearly identical to China 5 versions, with China 5 feeling slightly more responsive during acceleration. Officially, China 6 models show marginally higher fuel consumption, with real-world driving typically showing about 0.5% increase. From a practical perspective, China 6 vehicles comply with newer regulations, making registration easier in major cities while saving on fuel and maintenance costs (fewer malfunctions). However, China 5 vehicles may depreciate faster, especially with more driving restrictions expected in coming years. Personally, I recommend choosing China 6 models - they're more environmentally friendly and future-proof.