The L-series is a compact inline-four engine created by Honda, introduced in 2001 with the Honda Fit. It has , and displacement variants, which utilize the names L12A, L13A and L15A. Depending on the region, these engines are sold throughout the world in the 5-door Honda Brio Fit/Jazz hatchback Honda Civic and the 4-door Fit Aria/City sedan (also known as Fit Saloon). They can also be found in the Japanese-only Airwave wagon and Mobilio MPV.
Two different valvetrains are present on this engine series. The L12A, L13A and L15A use (), or “intelligent Dual & Sequential Ignition”. i-DSI utilizes two spark plugs per cylinder which fire at different intervals during the combustion process to achieve a more complete burn of the gasoline. This process allows the engine to have more power while keeping fuel consumption low, thanks to the better gasoline utilization. Emissions are also reduced. The i-DSI engines have two to five valves per cylinder and a modest redline of only 6,000 rpm, but reach maximum torque at mid-range rpm, allowing for better performance without having to rev the engine at high speeds. The i-DSI is also known for not using Turbochargers in the performance category, as it uses a high compression, long stroke with a lightweight and compact engine.
The other valvetrain in use is the VTEC on one of the two varieties of the L15A. This engine is aimed more at performance than efficiency with a slightly higher redline with 4 valves per cylinder, which reaches peak torque at higher rpm. However, it still offers a good combination of both performance and fuel efficiency. Both the i-DSI and VTEC have relatively high compression ratios at 10.8:1 and 10.4:1, respectively.
Before April 2006, the L-series were exclusively available with a 5-speed manual transmission, continuously variable transmission (CVT). With the introduction of the Fit in Canada and the United States, an L-series engine was mated to a traditional automatic transmission with a torque converter for the first time. The L12A i-DSI is available exclusively in the European domestic market Jazz and is sold with only a 5-speed manual transmission.
As of 2010, the L15A7 (i-VTEC) is a class legal engine choice for SCCA sanctioned Formula F competition, joining the 1.6L Ford Kent engine.http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/scca-approves-honda-fit-based-engine-for-formula-f/ Ford Kent engine being replaced by Honda Fit based engine by SCCA
In 2016 Honda introduced the L15B (DOHC-VTC-TURBO-VTEC) engine as part of their continuing global "Earth Dreams" strategy for lower emissions and higher fuel economy for a range of their cars, available with 6-speed manual and CVT transmissions with Earth Dreams Technology.
L12
L12A i-DSI
Available exclusively in the European domestic market Jazz and available with only a 5-speed manual transmission. Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.8:1 Power: at 5,700 rpm Torque: at 2,800 rpm Variations: L12A1 SOHC 8 valves 8 spark plugs, 2 per cylinder Application: Honda Jazz (Europe, 2002-2008) Honda City (Pakistan, 2002-2008)
L12B1 i-VTEC SOHC 16 valve i-VTEC Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.2:1 Power: at 6,200 rpm Torque: at 4,900 rpm emission: /km rpmLock: 6,500 rpm SpeedLock: ECU: Bosch, Keihin Applications: Honda Jazz (Europe, 2008–2013)
L12B3 i-VTEC
SOHC 16 valve i-VTEC Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.2:1 Power: at 6,000 rpm Torque: at 4,800 rpm SpeedLock: Applications: Honda Brio (Southeast Asia, 2011–present)Car Thailand Honda Brio Amaze (Southeast Asia, 2013–2020)Car Thailand Honda City (Pakistan, 2021–present)
L12B4 i-VTEC
SOHC 16 valve i-VTEC Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.2:1 Power: at 6,000 rpm Torque: at 4,800 rpm Applications: Honda Brio Amaze (India, 2018–present) Honda Jazz (GK7) (India, 2015–2022)
L13 L13A i-DSI
Sold as a 1.3 in the Japanese Fit/Fit Aria. European Civic 1.4 i-DSI has a standard 6-speed manual with an available 6-speed automated manual I-SHIFT transmission. For 7th gen Civic, City, Fit & Jazz Models Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.8:1 Horsepower: at 5700 rpm (Europe) at 5700 rpm (Japan) Torque: at 2800 rpm Variations: L13A1 (Fit/Jazz), L13A7 (European market Civic), L13A8 (European market City) For 8th gen Civic Displacement: Bore x stroke: Horsepower: Torque: CO2 emission: /km (for the Honda Civic Hybrid)
L13Z i-VTEC Available in the second generation Honda Fit (Japan series GE6 / GE7), Honda Airwave in Japan, and the European Honda Civic. SOHC 16 valve i-VTEC Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.5:1 Horsepower: at 6,500 rpm Torque: at 4,800 rpm source Honda│クルマ│フィット│スペック
L13B i-VTEC DOHC 16 valve i-VTEC Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression: 13.5:1 Power: at 6,000 rpm Torque: at 5,000 rpm (GK3 Fit) Top Speed: Honda Fit (Japan series GK3/4)
L13Z1 i-VTEC
SOHC 16 valve i-VTEC Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.5:1 Power: at 6,000 rpm Torque: at 4,800 rpm Speed Limiter: Applications: Honda Brio (2011–2014) Honda City (Pakistan) Honda Jazz (UK) (2008-2016) Honda Civic (UK) (2008-2016)
L15A L15A (i-VTEC / CNG) This engine has been used since 2007 in Honda City CNG SOHC 16 valve i-VTEC Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.4:1 Power: at 6,600 rpm Torque: at 4,800 rpm CO2 emission: /km Honda City CNG (Thailand)
L15A2 i-DSI It debuted in Honda City/Fit Aria four door Sport-sedan in November 2002. Offered in the Fit Aria and Partner in Japan. Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.8:1 Power: at 5,500 rpm Torque: at 2,700 rpm
L15A1 VTEC
It debuted in JDM Fit and Mobilio Spike in September 2002. Available in the Fit, Fit Aria, Airwave, Mobilio, and Mobilio Spike in Japan. Sold throughout the world with 5-speed manual or CVT options in the Fit/Jazz, Airwave and City. Canadian and US Fit models offered a 5-speed automatic instead of the CVT. Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.4:1 Power: at 5,800 rpm Torque: at 4,000 rpm
L15A7 This engine has been used since 2009 in the 2nd Gen Honda Jazz
SOHC 16 valve i-VTEC Displacement: Bore x stroke: Compression ratio: 10.4:1 Power: at 6,600 rpm Torque: at 4,300 rpm (GE8 Fit) CO2 emission: /km Honda Fit (Japan series GE8 / 9) Honda Jazz (Brazil, Thailand GE8 / 9) Honda Freed (Japan series GB3 / 4) Honda City (India, Brazil, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia, ASEAN) Optional engine in any Sports Car Club of America Formula Ford 1600 chassis. As of this time, the engine is only legal for Formula F racing in the United States in series that use the Ford Kent engine. It is not legal in other markets using Formula F chassis where the Ford Kent engine is standard.
L15B & L15C L15B (Earth Dreams + i-VTEC)
Applications Engine Application Compression Power Torque L15B(JDM) 2013–2019 Honda Fit (GK5/GK6) (Japan) 11.5:1 at 6600 rpm at 4600 rpm 2014–2020 Honda Vezel (RU1/RU2) (Japan) at 6600 rpm 2016–present Honda Freed (GB5/GB6) (Japan) at 6600 rpm 2015–present Honda Shuttle (GK8/GK9) (Japan) at 6600 rpm L15B1 2013–2019 Honda Fit/Jazz (GK5/GK6) 11.5:1 at 6600 rpm L15B4 2014–2020 Honda HR-V (RU1/RU2) 11.5:1 at 6600 rpm L15BU 2020–present Honda Fit/Jazz/Life (GR9/GS1) 11.5:1 at 6600 rpm
L15B & L15C (Earth Dreams VTC/VTEC Turbo)
Applications Engine Application Valve system Compression Boost pressure Power Torque Redline L15B7 2016–2021 Honda Civic Sedan/Coupe (FC1/FC3) VTC 10.6:1 at 6000 rpm at 1700–5500 rpm 6500 rpm 2016–2021 Honda Civic Hatchback (FK4) (Asia and Oceania exclude Japan) 2016–2021 Honda Civic Sedan/Coupe Si (FC1/FC3) 10.3:1 @ 5700 rpm @ 2100–5000 rpm 6500 rpm 2022–present Honda Civic Sedan/Hatchback (FE1/FL1) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 5700 rpm @ 1700–4500 rpm 6600 rpm L15B8 2016–2021 Honda Civic Sedan/Hatchback (FC1/FK7) (China) VTC 10.6:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–5500 rpm 6500 rpm L15B9 2016–present Acura CDX (China) VTC 10.6:1 @ 5500 rpm @ 1900–5500 rpm 6500 rpm L15BA 2016–2021 Honda Civic Hatchback (FK7) (North America LX and EX trim)VTC10.6:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–5500 rpm 6600 rpm 2016–2021 Honda Civic Hatchback (FK7) (Europe and North America Sport/Sport Touring trim) CVT @ 6000 rpm CVT @ 1700–5500 rpm 6600 rpm 6MT @ 5500 rpm 6MT @ 1900–5500 rpm L15BD 2016–present Honda Avancier (TG1) VTC 10.3:1 @ 5600 rpm @ 2000–5500 rpm 6500 rpm 2016–present Honda UR-V (TG4) VTC 10.3:1 @ 5600 rpm at 2000–5500 rpm 6500 rpm L15BE 2017–2022 Honda CR-V (RW1/RW2) VTC 10.3:1 @ 5600 rpm @ 2000–5500 rpm 2023–present Honda CR-V (RS3/RS4)VTEC10.3:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–5000 rpm6600 rpm 2018–2022 Honda Accord (CV1) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 5500 rpm @ 1600–5000 rpm 6500 rpm2023–present Honda Accord (CY1)VTEC10.6:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–5000 rpm6500 rpm L15BF 2015–2019 Honda Jade (FR5) VTC 10.6:1 @ 5500 rpm @ 1600–5000 rpm 6500 rpm L15BG(FFV) 2018–present Honda Accord (CV1) (Thailand) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 5500 rpm @ 2000–5500 rpm 6500 rpm 2022–present Honda Civic Sedan (FE1) @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–4500 rpm 6600 rpm L15BJ 2022–present Honda Civic Sedan (FE1)(Singapore) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–4500 rpm 6600 rpm L15BL 2017–present Honda CR-V (RW1/RW2) (China) VTC 10.3:1 @ 5600 rpm @ 2000–5500 rpm 6500 rpm L15BM 2018–2020 Honda Accord (CV1) (China 230 TURBO trim) VTC 10.6:1 @ 5500 rpm @ 1500–3000 rpm 6600 rpm L15BN 2018–present Honda Accord (CV1) (China 260 TURBO trim) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 5500 rpm @ 1600–5000 rpm 6500 rpm L15BP 2018–present Honda Vezel (RU1) (China 220 TURBO trim) VTC 10.6:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–5500 rpm L15BR 2018–present Honda Inspire (CV1) (China) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 5500 rpm @ 1600–5000 rpm 6500 rpm L15BS 2018–present Honda XR-V (RU1) (China 220 TURBO trim) VTC 10.6:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–5500 rpm L15BT 2017–present Honda Breeze (RY1/RY2) (China) VTC 10.3:1 @ 5600 rpm @ 2000–5500 rpm 6500 rpm L15BY 2018–2020 Honda HR-V (RU1) (Europe Sport Turbo trim) VTC 10.6:1 @ 5000 rpm CVT @ 1700–5500 rpm 6600 rpm 6MT @ 1900–5500 rpm 2018–2023 Honda CR-V (RW1/RW2) (Europe) VTC 10.6:1 CVT at 5600 rpm CVT at 2000–5000 rpm 6MT at 5600 rpm 6MT at 1900–5000 rpm L15C 2016–2021 Honda Civic Hatchback (FK7) (Japan) VTC 10.6:1 CVT at 6000 rpm CVT at 1700–5500 rpm 6MT at 5500 rpm 6MT at 1900–5000 rpm 2022–present Honda Civic Hatchback (FL1) (Japan) VTEC 10.3:1 at 6000 rpm at 1700–4500 rpm L15C1 2022–present Honda HR-V (RV3) (RS Turbo trim) VTEC 10.3:1 at 6000 rpm L15C2 (FFV) 2023–present Honda CR-V (RS3/RS4) (Thailand) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–5000 rpmL15C32022–present Honda HR-V (RV3) (Malaysia Turbo trim)VTEC10.3:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–4500 rpm L15C7 2022–present Honda Civic Sedan (FE1) (China 180 TURBO trim) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 5500-6000 rpm @ 1700–4500 rpm L15C8 2022–present Honda Civic Sedan (FE1) (China 240 TURBO trim) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–4500 rpm L15C9 2022–present Honda Integra (FE1) (China) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1700–4500 rpm L15CA 2022–present Honda Civic Si (FE1) 2023–present Acura Integra (DE4) VTEC 10.3:1 @ 6000 rpm @ 1800–5000 rpm
Additional notes Turbocharged L15B/L15C engines that feature VTC system have Variable Timing Control (VTC) on both the intake and exhaust side. It was advertised and badged as VTEC Turbo in Australia and some Asian markets, despite not featuring an actual Variable Valve Lift system like conventional VTEC engines. Turbocharged L15B/L15C engines that feature VTEC system come with an addition of Variable Valve lift, but unlike Naturally aspirated engine VTEC. It exists on the exhaust cam side only L15BG and L15C2 engine is flex fuel capable up to E85 L15BJ engine is a downtuned version of the L15BG engine.
L15Z L15Z (i-VTEC)
Applications