Body style: Hatchback
Segment: Compact
Production years: 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
When Honda introduced the second generation of the Civic CRX on the market, it redefined the pocket-rocket standards and was a direct threat to hot-hatches.
The Japanese carmaker didn't have big or supercharged engines. It relied on its proven VTEC technology and its engineers' ingenuity to develop quick vehicles. The Civic CRX was based on the same platform as the Civic, hence the Civic badge, but other than that, it was a different vehicle.
With its short length and unusual shape, the CRX was easy to recognize. Its profile started with a narrow front, a short hood, and a raked windscreen. The greenhouse featured an unusual profile, with a sloped roof extended to the back of the car with a heavily stippled glass area, which was part of the liftgate. Unlike its predecessor, the 1988 model featured an additional vertical glass panel to improve rear visibility. It was less than 150" (3.8 meters) long and just 50" (1.27 meters) tall.
Inside, the carmaker installed very low-mounted seats at the front. There were two seats in the back in theory, but those were large enough to fit a toy dog and a briefcase. At least, the rear bench' seatback was folded down, increasing the almost non-existent trunk space, where the carmaker had to install a space-saving tire to fit it inside.
The real magic of the car was the technical platform with its independent suspension in all corners. It sported a double-wishbone suspension in all corners and, for the top-spec version, disc-brakes all around. Under the hood, Honda offered a choice of three engines: one for the masses, one economical, and the marvelous, 100 hp/liter, naturally aspirated 1.6-liter unit. For the U.S. market, the latter was detuned by ten hp to 150 due to lower-grade gasoline.
ENGINE SPECS - 1.5i 5MT (102 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1488 cm3 |
Power: | 75 KW @ 5750 RPM 102 HP @ 5750 RPM 101 BHP @ 5750 RPM |
Torque: | 96 lb-ft @ 4500 RPM 130 Nm @ 4500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 112 mph (180 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 148 in (3759 mm) |
Width: | 66.1 in (1679 mm) |
Height: | 50 in (1270 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.1/57.5 in (1,450/1,461 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 90.6 in (2301 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 6.9 cuFT (195 L) |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6i 5MT (131 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1590 cm3 |
Power: | 96 KW @ 6800 RPM 131 HP @ 6800 RPM 129 BHP @ 6800 RPM |
Torque: | 151 lb-ft @ 5700 RPM 204 Nm @ 5700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 131.7 mph (212 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 185/60VR14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 148 in (3759 mm) |
Width: | 66.1 in (1679 mm) |
Height: | 50 in (1270 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.1/57.5 in (1,450/1,461 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 90.6 in (2301 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 6.9 cuFT (195 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 1982 lbs (899 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 2844 lbs (1290 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 35.1 mpg US (6.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 159 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 1.6i VTEC 5MT (150 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1590 cm3 |
Power: | 110 KW @ 7600 RPM 150 HP @ 7600 RPM 148 BHP @ 7600 RPM |
Torque: | 106 lb-ft @ 7100 RPM 144 Nm @ 7100 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 137.9 mph (222 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/60VR15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 148 in (3759 mm) |
Width: | 66.1 in (1679 mm) |
Height: | 50 in (1270 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.1/57.5 in (1,450/1,461 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 90.6 in (2301 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 6.9 cuFT (195 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2226.7 lbs (1010 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3240.8 lbs (1470 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 174 g/km |