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2017 10th Generation Honda Civic Getting 1.5-Liter Turbo VTEC Engine

After Ford and Volkswagen dumped smaller turbo engines into their respective Focus and Golf (US-spec models), Honda is going to do the same with the next Civic, the 10th generation model that should debut in 2016. We don't know when exactly they will come out, but the sedan and coup' will have a new 1.5-liter turbo engine that may eventually replace the 2-liter.
Honda Civic Si Coupe 1 photo
Photo: Honda
A report from Automotive News suggests the 1.5-liter turbo VTEC unit will serves as the entry-level engine and may provide the same levels of power as the 2-liter, but with lower emissions. It's not going to replace the bigger engines for now, but if customers see the benefits, they might not want naturally aspirated VTEC any more.

Honda’s global R&D head Yoshiharu Yamamoto is quoted as saying that “downsized turbocharging will be the base, even for the Civic”, which probably means it applies in Europe as well, where the Civic is a hatchback and sales of its 1.8-liter are almost nonexistent in some markets.

What do we know about the engine?

The report ties in with one from a day ago, where a shortened version of the new Civic platform is to be used for a CR-Z successor. It will be a true sportscar this time, available with a 2-liter turbo like the one in the new Type R and a hybrid 1.5-liter setup.

Both the 1.5-liter and 2-liter turbo engines are part of the new Earth Dreams family and were first detailed in 2013. Using a VTEC variable valve train system with direct injection and turbocharging tech, the 1.5-liter four-cylinder is capable of producing up to 150 kW (201 hp) and 260 Nm of torque (192 lb-ft).

10th Generation Honda Civic - a Big Deal

We expect major changes to take place with the next-gen Civic, which may come out as a 2016 or 2017 model year. Testing has been taking place in America and the company’s research and development facility in Tochigi, Japan.

The current model dates back to late 2012, when it was criticized for its lack-luster design. Honda moved quickly with a cosmetic update and revisions to the handling, steering and suspension of the car.

The 10th model in Civic history will be lighter and should feature styling similar to Honda's latest concept cars. Could it be the car that finally dethrones the Toyota Corolla? We'll just have to wait and see.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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