The Honda Concerto 1.6i 16V Automatic, produced between 1989 and 1995, represented a mid-range offering within the HW generation of Honda’s compact sedan. Positioned above the base 1.5L models and below the more performance-oriented Si variants, the 1.6i 16V Automatic aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, comfortable driving, and reasonable performance for the everyday driver. The Concerto, never officially sold in the United States, was primarily marketed in Europe and Japan as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Escort, Opel Astra, and Toyota Corolla. It was a rebadged and slightly restyled version of the Honda Civic sold in Japan, offering a more upscale feel and features for the European market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Honda |
| Model | Concerto |
| Generation | Concerto (HW) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i 16V (112 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1989 |
| End of production | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 112 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 137 Nm @ 5200 rpm (101.05 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D16Z2 |
| Engine displacement | 1590 cm3 (97.03 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1080 kg (2380.99 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1580 kg (3483.3 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 420 l (14.83 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4415 mm (173.82 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1395 mm (54.92 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm (100.39 in.) |
| Front track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Concerto 1.6i 16V Automatic is the D16Z2 engine, a 1.6-liter (1590cc) inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine is a member of Honda’s D-series, known for its reliability and relatively simple design. The “16V” designation indicates a four-valve-per-cylinder configuration, enhancing breathing and contributing to the engine’s power output. The D16Z2 utilizes multi-port fuel injection, a significant advancement over earlier carburetor-equipped engines, providing more precise fuel delivery and improved efficiency. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain, a cost-effective and reliable design. Paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic transmission, offering smooth shifts but sacrificing some of the responsiveness found in manual transmission variants. This automatic transmission was a common choice for European buyers prioritizing comfort and ease of use.
Driving Characteristics
The 112 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque produced by the D16Z2 engine, when channeled through the four-speed automatic, resulted in a comfortable but not particularly sporty driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 11.4 seconds, and top speed was around 112 mph. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy and smooth cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration. Compared to the five-speed manual version, the automatic felt noticeably slower, particularly during overtaking maneuvers. However, the automatic provided a more relaxed driving experience, especially in city traffic. The Concerto’s suspension, featuring coil springs all around, offered a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6i 16V Automatic trim typically included features such as power steering, central locking, electric windows, and an AM/FM radio. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. The level of equipment varied slightly depending on the specific market and year of production. The automatic transmission was often bundled with additional comfort features, making it a popular choice for buyers who valued convenience over outright performance.
Chassis & Braking
The Concerto’s chassis utilized a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The front suspension employed coil springs and MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension featured a coil spring and torsion beam setup. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often included as standard equipment, enhancing safety and stability during hard braking. The relatively lightweight construction of the Concerto, with a curb weight of around 2381 lbs, helped to offset the modest power output and contributed to reasonable handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Honda Concerto 1.6i 16V Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics in Europe. It was praised for its reliability, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. However, some reviewers noted that the automatic transmission dulled the engine’s performance and that the interior was somewhat basic compared to some competitors. Compared to the manual transmission version, the automatic offered less driver engagement but greater convenience. Against rivals like the Ford Escort and Opel Astra, the Concerto offered a reputation for superior build quality and reliability, although it often came at a slightly higher price point. Fuel economy was competitive, averaging around 25.6 US mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The Honda Concerto, particularly the 1.6i 16V Automatic variant, has proven to be a remarkably durable vehicle. Many examples are still on the road today, a testament to Honda’s engineering and build quality. The D16Z2 engine is known for its longevity and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, age-related issues such as corrosion and wear on suspension components are common. In the used car market, the Concerto 1.6i 16V Automatic is often sought after by enthusiasts looking for a reliable and affordable classic car. Its simple mechanical design makes it relatively easy to maintain and repair, and its reputation for dependability ensures that it remains a popular choice for those seeking a practical and trustworthy vehicle.
