Honda 1.0L 3-cyl VTEC turbo engine 95 kW 128 HP

The last time Honda made a 1.0-liter gasoline engine, it broke new records for fuel efficiency.


Honda Develops VTEC TURBO Direct Injection Gasoline Turbo Engine That Achieves Class-leading Output and Environmental Performance.

Honda has announced plans to introduce three turbocharged non-hybrid petrol engines in the near future to reinvigorate its product line-up with a stronger focus on sports-oriented vehicles.

With the application of variable valve motion technology such as Honda's unique VTEC along with direct injection turbocharging with highly-fluidized combustion and a thorough reduction in engine friction, this engine achieves class-leading output and environmental performance, while downsizing engine displacement.

The three turbocharged engines come in 1.0-, 1.5- and 2.0-litre capacities and will be available in a wide range of Honda vehicles in the coming years.

The turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine was designed to have higher power, torque and efficiency capabilities than a non-turbo 1.8-litre engine.

Using a VTEC variable valve train system with direct injection turbocharging, the 1.0-litre engine pumps out a healthy 95kW of power and 200Nm of torque. The three-cylinder unit is likely to find applications across the Japanese car maker’s range of compact passenger cars, including the Honda Jazz, Civic and the forthcoming Honda Jazz-based subcompact SUV.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine will find its way under the bonnets of slightly larger Honda vehicles, given it develops 150kW of power and 260Nm of torque.

The 1.0-litre engine is more impressive of the smaller-capacity units, delivering an almost sporty performance in a car as big as a Civic with excellent power and torque delivery across the rev range and smooth and linear acceleration with minimal turbo lag.

It’s a big change of direction for Honda as none of the three engines were showcased with a hybrid powertrain, something we were expecting to see from the Japanese giant that has devoted the greater part of the last decade in repositioning itself as an hybrid-focused manufacturer.

Honda says the 1.0-litre engine is designed for efficiency, the 1.5-litre for a balance of efficiency and fun, and the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is purely designed for maximum performance and excitement.

Timing for the introduction of the three engines remains unconfirmed and Honda Japan refused to comment on which models would be available with each engine.