The Honda Civic IX Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC (120 hp) was a diesel-powered station wagon produced by Honda between 2013 and 2014. Part of the ninth-generation Civic (IX) series, the Tourer body style represented Honda’s entry into the European market’s competitive compact estate segment. This variant, equipped with the 1.6-liter i-DTEC engine and a six-speed manual transmission, was positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option for families and individuals needing versatile cargo space. It aimed to balance economy with reasonable performance, appealing to buyers prioritizing low running costs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Civic |
| Generation | Civic IX Tourer |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 i-DTEC (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.6 l/100 km (65.3 US mpg, 78.5 UK mpg, 27.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 99 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.1 kg/Hp, 89.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm, 224.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | N16A1 |
| Engine displacement | 1597 cm3 (97.45 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.66 l (5.98 US qt | 4.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1337 kg (2947.58 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1890 kg (4166.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 553 kg (1219.16 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 624 l (22.04 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1668 l (58.9 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4535 mm (178.54 in.) |
| Width | 1770 mm (69.69 in.) |
| Height | 1480 mm (58.27 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2595 mm (102.17 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Civic IX Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC is the N16A1 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, designed to maximize efficiency and reduce emissions. It features a common-rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine utilizes a sophisticated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet stringent Euro 5 emission standards. The engine produces 120 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm. This torque figure is particularly noteworthy, providing strong pulling power for a vehicle of this class. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, chosen for its efficiency and driver engagement.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 i-DTEC engine, while not exceptionally powerful, provides adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 9.6 seconds, and the top speed is around 121 mph. The engine’s strong low-end torque makes it feel responsive in urban environments and provides effortless cruising on highways. The six-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, allowing drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to higher-output versions of the Civic IX, such as the 1.8-liter petrol engine, the 1.6 i-DTEC prioritizes fuel economy over outright performance. The manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience than the optional automatic transmission available on other Civic trims. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a relatively smooth ride, although it may not be as sporty as some competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Civic IX Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels, such as the ES and EX, added features like alloy wheels, climate control, a more advanced audio system, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leather seats on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, with a clear instrument cluster and logically placed controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Civic IX Tourer features a front-wheel-drive layout with independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. This suspension setup provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are typically solid discs, although some base models may have drum brakes. The steering is a rack-and-pinion system with electric power assistance, providing light and precise steering feel. The chassis is relatively lightweight, contributing to the car’s fuel efficiency and agility.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Civic IX Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and practicality. It offered a compelling alternative to other compact estate cars, such as the Ford Focus Estate and the Volkswagen Golf Estate. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could be somewhat noisy and that the interior lacked the premium feel of some competitors. Fuel economy was a major selling point, with the car achieving up to 74.3 mpg on the combined cycle. Reliability was also a strong suit, with Honda having a reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles. Compared to the petrol-powered Civic models, the 1.6 i-DTEC offered significantly better fuel economy but slightly less performance.
Legacy
The Honda Civic IX Tourer 1.6 i-DTEC has proven to be a reliable and economical used car. The 1.6-liter i-DTEC engine is generally considered to be robust, although regular maintenance, including oil changes and DPF servicing, is essential. The car’s spacious interior and large cargo area make it a practical choice for families. While not a particularly exciting car to drive, it offers a comfortable and efficient driving experience. Today, these vehicles can be found on the used car market at affordable prices, making them an attractive option for buyers seeking a practical and economical estate car.
