What is the emission standard for the 8th-generation Civic?
3 Answers
The 8th-generation Civic complies with either China III or China IV emission standards. Vehicle emission standards are established to prevent pollution from the exhaust of compression-ignition and gas-fueled spark-ignition engine vehicles, protect the ecological environment, and safeguard human health. The 8th-generation Civic is a compact sedan produced by Dongfeng Honda, with dimensions of 4517 mm in length, 1799 mm in width, and 1434 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700 mm. It features front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration. In terms of safety features, the Civic is equipped with side airbags, a visual reverse parking system, child safety seat anchors, and an ECON intelligent green assist system.
I've always been a big fan of the eighth-generation Civic. It was produced in the Chinese market roughly from 2006 to 2011, which was when I was researching classic Japanese cars. The eighth-gen Civic falls under China III or China IV emission standards depending on the specific year: those manufactured before 2007 were early China II or China III models, those from July 2007 to mid-2010 were mostly China III, and those after July 2010 until discontinuation were China IV. Emission regulations were gradually being upgraded back then, and automakers weren't as strict in the early years. My old car was a 2010 model, and its environmental label clearly stated China IV. Nowadays, driving such older cars in cities can sometimes lead to traffic restrictions, especially for China III models – if they fail emissions tests, parts like the catalytic converter might need replacement. However, the eighth-gen Civic is known for its durability, stable powertrain, and simple maintenance. Many owners often retrofit or upgrade their catalytic converters to reduce pollution. If your car is still on the road, I'd recommend checking its environmental records to avoid fines. Overall, this generation of Civic witnessed the transition from the initial stages to the refinement of emission standards, making it quite historically significant. It's just a shame that policies have tightened up now.
As a long-time owner of the eighth-generation Civic, I've driven it for over a decade. I still remember how fresh it felt when I bought it in 2007. This model generally meets China III or China IV emission standards. Early batches produced between 2006-2009 are usually China III, while those after 2010 are China IV, as it happened to be during the regulatory transition period. It drives quite well with quiet engine noise, but there are drawbacks in big cities. China III vehicles registered before 2008 face traffic restriction policies - you'd have to detour during peak hours in places like Beijing or Shanghai. I once failed an annual inspection due to excessive exhaust emissions, but replacing an oxygen sensor fixed it for about 200 RMB. Although its emission standards are outdated and fuel consumption is relatively high, it remains reliable for daily commuting. These cars are common in the used market, but always check the environmental label or emission level on the vehicle registration certificate before buying to avoid being tricked. Honestly, these older models depreciated faster after the government introduced China V standards, but with proper maintenance, they still run smoothly on highways. My advice is to regularly clean carbon deposits to keep the vehicle compliant.
