Honda goes total turbo with its Civic

[Voodooll]

Only a few mass-production cars from Honda had turbocharging (I remember only current EU-spec Civic Type-R and of course new NSX) and now this...
It seems that Honda gave up and follow the down-sized turbo trend.
1.5L and a bit less than 180 hp (174 or so)

Not impressive. Taking into account that back in 2000s the 2-liter engine from S2000 producing 240 hp without any turbo or superchargers.
And there are rumors that European Civic hatchback will get 1.0L turbo engine (~140 hp)
What do you think about it? Is it a proper usage of turbo engines?

Image from http://carsintrend.com/2016-honda-civic-review-release-date-interior-pictures/

 

[Aaron94T]

Turbo = Torque

I bet this tiny econobox engine will produce the same amount of torque as the S2000. Also, with a turbo that small it will spool near instantly. I say good on Honda.

 

[RYU]

Nothing wrong with increasing volumetric efficiency.

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

Early Acura RDX was a Turbo

 

[bogeygolferkyle]

I heard about this engine (I think either R&D or Car and Driver).

On the surface it may not sound all that impressive in specific output but its mission is quite different - no 8000 to 9000 rpm run but daily use, with low rpm requirements. In that sense its not bad. I think I saw torque at about 160 Lb-ft, which isn't bad. On the other hand, HP is about 170, which is about 40 more than the normally aspirated version (used in the Fit) but needing more than 15 psi boost.

This is the trend, guys (and gals). The smaller engine provides a chance at better off boost fuel economy but still have the grunt needed to really move when you want to. Its a good move.

Kyle

 

[docjohn]

lotus was ahead of the times back in the 80's:wink:

 

[kaede]

I think for economic cars to have small engines with turbo is fine. This is definitely not that same as Turbo used purely for performance gains (such as the Civic Type R and NSX 2.0). It is sad to see the once high revving NA cars to go (such as the S2000, Civic & Integra Type R's and the original NSX), and more and more vehicles in the future will adapt the Turbo for efficiency and power, but that's what makes our NSX now so special.

Also, most people who buy the base model civic's will not rev the cars to the redline anyways even if it is still a high revving NA engine, so better to deliver more torque and efficiency by slapping in a turbo.