Engine/Chassis Features

Turbocharged 1.5-liter Engine (EX-L and Sport Touring)

What’s the Benefit?

This engine delivers a sporty and fun driving experience with improved fuel economy ratings.


The Feature:

The Civic Hatchback makes available a turbocharged powerplant that offers both exhilarating performance and excellent efficiency.

  • In addition to the intercooled turbo, this powerplant features direct injection, Variable Timing Control™ (VTC™) on both camshafts and a dual-exhaust system.
  • Instead of employing VTEC to spread torque throughout the rpm range, it uses the torque-expanding benefits of turbocharging.
  • Thanks to careful tuning and use of a relatively small-diameter turbine wheel, Honda’s version of the forced-induction engine exhibits negligible turbo lag—a phenomenon that bedevils many of its turbocharged competitors—so response to the throttle is quick.
  • Sporting drivers will appreciate this engine’s impressive 180 hp peak output.
  • At 177 lb-ft, torque production is admirable as well.
  • Plus, that torque peak starts low and stays strong a long time as the revs rise, for a sustained blast of acceleration.
  • Perhaps most remarkable of all, this engine can provide all that exhilaration while receiving excellent EPA fuel-economy ratings.36
  • Like the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine requires regular unleaded fuel—premium unleaded fuel is no longer recommended.