
The Civic offers two displacement options: 1.0T and 1.5T. The 1.0T engine is available in the 2017 manual comfort version and automatic comfort version, while the 1.5T engine is found in the 2016 automatic premium version and automatic premium luxury version. Taking the 2017 manual comfort version as an example, its body dimensions are: 4658mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1416mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. The front suspension of the 2017 manual comfort Civic is a MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension is a multi-link independent suspension. It is equipped with a 1.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 125PS, a maximum power of 92kW, and a maximum torque of 173Nm, paired with a continuously variable transmission.

I recall the Honda Civic has undergone significant displacement changes since its debut. In the early 1970s, the first generation featured just a small engine with around 1.2 liters of displacement, emphasizing fuel efficiency and practicality. By the 1990s, 1.6L and 1.8L versions emerged, with models like the EK series becoming hugely popular for their smooth and economical performance. Entering the 2000s, the eighth and ninth generations primarily offered 1.8L naturally aspirated engines, maintaining stable displacement but with noticeably improved performance. Today, the eleventh-generation Civic mainly uses a 1.5L turbocharged engine (precisely 1498cc), delivering 182 horsepower for a sporty feel; there's also a hybrid version pairing a 1.5L or 2.0L engine with an electric motor to reduce emissions. Longtime owners may reminisce about the days of larger displacements, but modern small-displacement turbocharging is more eco-friendly and efficient. Personally, I prefer the practicality of the 1.5T—ample low-end torque for highway driving while keeping fuel consumption around 7L/100km. These displacement shifts reflect Honda's adjustments to market demands.

The displacement of the Civic directly affects the driving experience, with noticeable differences between various engine specifications. The 1.5-liter turbocharged version is now the most common, precisely tuned to 1498cc and paired with a CVT transmission, offering quick starts and responsive acceleration; entry-level models like the LX or EX follow this setup. The hybrid version comes with either a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine, combining electric motor power with low fuel consumption. The Si version previously featured a 2.4-liter engine but later shifted to a reinforced 1.5T turbo. The top-tier Type R uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with a displacement of 1996cc, delivering peak power exceeding 300 horsepower, making it a powerhouse for racing. I've driven the hybrid version, where the small displacement provides linear acceleration, but the pure electric mode is quiet and smooth. When modifying cars, pay attention to the matching of displacement and cylinder layout, with four-cylinder engines being the majority. European diesel versions also offer small displacement options, ideal for long-distance travel. Don’t just focus on the displacement number when choosing a car—the overall design is more important.

The Civic's displacement varies flexibly across different models. The entry-level versions, such as the North American LX or Asian LX, are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, with an actual displacement of 1498cc. The mid-range EX or Sport models also feature this setup, with enhanced low-end torque. The hybrid versions offer engine options of either 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter, paired with an electric motor for dynamic performance. Performance-oriented models like the Si previously used a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine but have now upgraded to smaller displacement turbocharging. The Type R exclusively uses a 2.0T turbocharged engine, precisely 1996cc. I've tested the 10th-gen Civic 1.5T, which handles city driving with ease for overtaking, while the hybrid version with a 2.0-liter engine achieves fuel consumption as low as 5L. Market variations are significant, with some regions retaining the older 1.8-liter model for its economy. The overall trend is toward the widespread adoption of smaller displacements, driven by environmental regulations promoting downsizing.


