
The 8th generation Civic complies with the China IV emission standard, which is the national fourth-stage emission standard. The 8th generation Civic is a compact car with the following dimensions: length 4500mm, width 1755mm, height 1450mm, wheelbase 2700mm, fuel tank capacity 50 liters, and curb weight 1210kg. The 8th generation Civic features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a double-wishbone independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.8L naturally aspirated engine producing a maximum horsepower of 140PS, maximum power of 133kW, and maximum torque of 174Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The emission standard of the 8th-gen Civic depends on the specific production year. As a used car inspector, I've seen plenty of these. Models produced between 2006 and early 2008 definitely meet China III standards - I still remember the environmental labels dealerships used to stick on them. The facelifted versions after 2009 upgraded the ECU and catalytic converter for cleaner exhaust, mostly qualifying for China IV. The most reliable method is checking the manufacturing date on the VIN plate at the lower-left windshield - post-March 2009 models can be directly identified as China IV. No plate? Don't panic. Look for the green emission sticker under the hood or use an OBD scanner to read ECU data - China IV vehicles will have OBDⅡ diagnostics. Always verify before purchase - the resale price difference between China III and IV models now ranges 3,000-5,000 yuan.

I drive an 08 Civic myself and have specifically researched its emissions standards. The eighth-gen Civic was produced in two batches: those manufactured before March 2009 meet China III standards, while later models were upgraded to China IV. During my last inspection, a car registered in April 2009 was directly tested as China IV compliant. Identification is straightforward: first check the registration date on the vehicle license, then open the hood to locate the exhaust manifold – China IV models have an additional corrugated pipe section. The simplest method is to check the fuel cap – China IV vehicles specify "Use unleaded gasoline 92# or above". This distinction is particularly crucial in certain cities with driving restrictions, where China III vehicles may be barred from entering inner ring roads during peak hours.

After a decade of repairing cars, I've encountered many Civic owners puzzled about emissions. Simply put: Both China III and China IV standards exist for the 8th-gen Civic. The key is the production timeline. Models from 2006-2008 are all China III configuration. After the 2009 facelift, the engine ECU program was updated, oxygen sensors increased to two, and exhaust treatment met China IV standards. Practical distinctions rely on three details: China IV cars have instant fuel consumption display on the dashboard, dual oxygen sensor ports on the exhaust pipe, and the 10th digit of the VIN under the passenger seat is 9 (indicating post-2009 production). When buying used, pay special attention - some December 2008 manufactured cars are actually China III but marketed as China IV by dealers.


