These enhancements combine to achieve class-leading performance that's on a par with a 2.0-litre engine: maximum output of 140PS at 6,300rpm and a maximum torque of 128lb.ft at 4,300rpm. With an acceleration time from 0 to 62mph of 8.9 seconds (i-SHIFT 10.9 seconds) and a Combined fuel consumption of 42.8mpg (43.5 i-SHIFT), it establishes new standards for this size of engine and even betters some competitors fitted with 1.6-litre engines. 

Along with improved fuel economy, the new engine offers cleaner emissions performance. The airflow meter and linear airflow sensor, together with the latest control technology, achieve extremely precise control over the air/fuel ratio and contribute to cleaner exhaust emissions. A key role is also played by the integrated cylinder head and exhaust manifold with two catalytic converters positioned immediately after the manifold.

The engine is also light and compact thanks to an all aluminium lower block and plastic used in the head cover, chain guard and chain tensioner arm. Aluminium rocker arms and high strength cracked connecting rods provide a significant reduction in the inertial mass of moving parts.

The integration of the cylinder head with the exhaust manifold both saves space and generates an important weight reduction (0.58kg). The combined assembly of the manual transmission bracket, the chain cover and the oil pump further reduce the engine's weight (0.3kg) and size (15mm), besides diminishing the parts number. Overall the engine is both lighter (5kg) and shorter (13mm) than a conventional 1.7-litre engine.



2.2 DOHC i-CTDi

The acclaimed 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel engine has established a strong reputation thanks to its outstanding performance, low consumption and environmental protection. As the first in-house developed diesel engine in Honda's history, it has lived up to high expectations and in true Honda fashion, it extends the boundaries of diesel technology to give one of the best all-round packages on the market.

With a displacement of 2,204cc, the i-CTDi engine's advanced design and all-aluminium construction deliver 140PS at 4,000rpm and maximum torque of 251lb.ft at just 2,000rpm. It's a transversely mounted, 4-cylinder unit, with DOHC, four valves per cylinder, balancer shaft, second generation common rail direct injection, and variable nozzle turbocharger with intercooler. The strength-in-depth of the engine is exemplified by consumption figures in the combined cycle of 54.3mpg and acceleration from standstill to 62mph completed in 8.6 seconds.

Although the engine structure is not identical to the engine used in the Accord, CR-V and FR-V, the torque and output curves are exactly the same as those of the Accord - although the way they are produced is slightly different.

The intake and exhaust systems have also been modified in order to accommodate the engine under the Civic Type S's relatively low bonnet. The grille-less design was a technological challenge; usually the intercooler is placed between the bumper and the radiator, but in this case it was positioned within the wing. The EGR cooler is also deleted to free up space, but the reduced EGR is compensated by the lower weight and better aerodynamics of the Civic Type S. 

Other items unique to Civic include the frame, con rods, a new ancillary belt arrangement (to accommodate the EPS), oil pan (to receive the oil level sensor), while the oil filter and chain case are smaller to provide more under bonnet room for pedestrian protection.

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