The Honda Breeze I 240 Turbo, produced from October 2019 to 2023, represents a significant entry in Honda’s SUV lineup, primarily targeted towards the Chinese automotive market. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the first generation Breeze (internally designated as a model year 2019-2023), this variant combined a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with a six-speed manual transmission, offering a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The Breeze aimed to compete with other compact SUVs in China, offering a blend of practicality, technology, and Honda’s reputation for reliability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Breeze |
| Generation | Breeze I |
| Type (Engine) | 240 Turbo (193 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 2019 |
| End of production | 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Emission standard | China VI |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp, 127 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.3 kg/Nm, 159.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 193 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 128.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 243 Nm @ 2000-5000 rpm (179.23 lb.-ft. @ 2000-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | L15B7 |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | VTEC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.19 l (6.54 US qt | 5.45 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1520 kg (3351.03 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Length | 4634 mm (182.44 in.) |
| Width | 1855 mm (73.03 in.) |
| Height | 1679 mm (66.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2661 mm (104.76 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Breeze I 240 Turbo is the L15B7 engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes direct injection and is coupled with a single scroll turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output. Honda’s Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) technology is employed to optimize valve timing for improved performance and fuel efficiency across the rev range. The engine produces 193 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 243 Nm (179.23 lb-ft) of torque between 2000 and 5000 rpm. This engine is part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, focusing on efficiency and reduced emissions. The six-speed manual transmission was chosen to provide a more engaging driving experience and cater to drivers who preferred greater control over gear selection. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned to maximize the engine’s torque output and provide responsive acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.8L Turbo with a manual transmission offered a noticeably more spirited driving experience compared to other Breeze variants. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved in approximately 9 seconds, making it competitive within its class. The turbocharger provided a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, while the manual transmission allowed drivers to maintain optimal engine speed for maximum performance. While not a sports SUV, the Breeze I 240 Turbo offered sufficient power for everyday driving and highway overtaking. The manual gearbox, while engaging, required more driver involvement than the automatic options available on other trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Breeze I 240 Turbo typically came equipped with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, and basic safety features like ABS and airbags. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, automatic climate control, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was generally cloth on the base trims, with leather options available as upgrades. The dashboard layout was modern and functional, with a focus on ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Breeze I utilized a front-wheel-drive chassis with independent suspension at all four corners. The front suspension employed a McPherson strut design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension featured a multi-link setup with a stabilizer bar. This suspension configuration aimed to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining good handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, equipped with ABS to prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering system was an electric power steering (EPS) rack and pinion system, providing light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Breeze I 240 Turbo was generally well-received in the Chinese market, praised for its combination of performance, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Critics noted that the turbocharged engine provided a significant improvement in power compared to the naturally aspirated engines offered in other Breeze variants. However, some reviewers pointed out that the manual transmission might not appeal to all buyers, particularly those accustomed to automatic transmissions. Compared to competitors like the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4, the Breeze I 240 Turbo offered a competitive level of equipment and performance at a similar price point. Fuel economy was rated at 6.6 l/100 km, which was considered respectable for a vehicle of its size and performance.
Legacy
The Honda Breeze I 240 Turbo, while primarily a China-market specific model, demonstrated Honda’s commitment to offering turbocharged engines in its SUV lineup. The L15B7 engine proved to be a reliable and efficient powerplant, and its use in the Breeze helped to establish Honda’s reputation for producing high-quality, dependable vehicles. In the used car market, the Breeze I 240 Turbo remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a practical and well-equipped SUV with a bit more performance than the base models. Its relatively simple mechanical design and Honda’s reputation for reliability contribute to its long-term durability and relatively low maintenance costs.
