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 âÂÂintelligent Dual & Sequential IgnitionâÂÂ. 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.
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, 2008âÂÂ2013)
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, 2011âÂÂpresent)
- Honda Brio Amaze (Southeast Asia, 2013âÂÂ2020)
- Honda City (Pakistan, 2021âÂÂpresent)
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, 2018âÂÂpresent)
- Honda Jazz (GK7) (India, 2015âÂÂ2022)
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:
- CO<sub>2</sub> emission: /km (for the Honda Civic Hybrid)
L13Z i-VTEC
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 (2011âÂÂ2014)
- 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
- CO<sub>2</sub> 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 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)
- CO<sub>2</sub> 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:
L15B & L15C (Earth Dreams VTC/VTEC Turbo)
Applications:
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:
Additional notes:
- L15Z1 (only FFV version) and L15Z2 engine is flex fuel capable up to E85
L15Z (Earth Dreams i-VTEC)
Applications:
LD (L13-based Hybrid engine)
LDA (IMA)
Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, features Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
Applications:
Additional notes:
- LDA-MF3 and LDA1 engine feature i-DSI ignition system
LE (L15-based Hybrid engine)
LEA (IMA)
i-VTEC with Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system
Applications:
LEB (i-DCD)
Earth Dreams i-VTEC with Sport Hybrid i-DCD (intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive) system, operates in Atkinson-cycle
Applications:
LEB & LEC (i-MMD)
Earth Dreams i-VTEC with Sport Hybrid âÂÂi-MMDâ (Intelligent Multi Mode Drive) system, operates in Atkinson-cycle
Applications:
References
External links