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

[VanReed]

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, as the fifth stage of national motor vehicle emission standards. The National VI standard has been implemented since July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the National V phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards. However, National VI adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning that regardless of the fuel type, the emission limits are the same. Different issuing departments: The National V standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. 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 1000 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 68 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 60 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 4.5 mg of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. National VI has two standards: National VIa and National VIb. The details are as follows: National VIa standard limits: Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 700 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 68 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 60 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 4.5 mg of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. National VIb standard limits: Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 500 mg of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 35 mg of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 35 mg of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles cannot emit more than 3 mg of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. Affected by the National VI emission policy, although National V vehicles are not currently restricted from normal use, such as driving bans or license plate restrictions, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transportation, 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, which have a longer service life and more road rights, are more advantageous.

[AdrielLynn]

I think the differences between the Civic's China 5 and China 6 standards are quite noticeable, mainly in terms of emission regulations. China 6 is much stricter than China 5, requiring lower tailpipe emissions, especially in reducing nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. As a popular model, the Civic likely added a particulate filter or upgraded the engine system to meet China 6 standards. This affects driving—the China 6 version may have smoother power delivery and quicker response during acceleration, but it doesn’t mean less power; it just slightly improves fuel efficiency, theoretically saving some fuel. Policy-wise, China 5 cars might face restrictions in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, while China 6 cars can be used worry-free for longer. Price-wise, China 6 cars cost a few thousand more when new but hold much higher resale value; China 5 cars, if still in clearance sales, offer bigger discounts but aren’t cost-effective long-term. Maintenance costs are slightly higher for China 6 cars, like replacing the particulate filter. Overall, choosing China 6 is more future-proof—it’s both eco-friendly and convenient.