Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.4i-VTEC (3 door)
Honda Civic 2008 1.3 petrol description
Hatchback Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.4i-VTEC has been produced from 2008 to 2011. It has four-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 1.3 litres, which produces power of 99 horsepower on 6000 rpm and torque 127 Nm (Newton metres) on 4800 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 16-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system, it has no turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 220 000 and 370 000 kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs
The Honda L13A is a small 1.3-liter engine with an i-VTEC 16-valve design, known for its exceptional durability. It uses a timing chain and is widely regarded as one of the most reliable ...
This Honda Civic 1.3 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 3.6 litres.
Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.4i-VTEC has front wheel drive (FWD) and manual gearbox with 6 gears.
Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.4i-VTEC accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 13 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 177 km/h.
In combined cycle (city and motorway), the Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.4i-VTEC fuel consumption is 5.9 litres per 100km (16.9 km/l) - this is one of most fuel efficient Honda Civic 2008 - 2011 versions, city fuel economy - 7.3 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 5 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 50 litres or 13.21 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 840 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1000 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this Honda real everyday fuel consumption is 6.7 litres per 100 km, which is 14% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real Honda Civic fuel consumption.
Honda Civic safety
During safety testing Honda Civic has obtained 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of Honda Civic is evaluated with good rate 79 from 100, children safety: good mark - 76 from 100, for pedestrian protection Honda Civic got 67 points from 100.
Honda Civic safety equipment has been rated as very good - 86 percents from 100.

Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.4i-VTEC technical data
| Model: | Honda Civic Type S 1.4i-VTEC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style: | Hatchback | ||
| Production period: | 2008. January ... 2011. January | ||
| Engine: | 1339 cm3 Petrol, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 135 g/km |
| Power: | 99 HP ON 6000 RPM | Torque: | 127 NM ON 4800 RPM |
| Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) |
| Top speed: | 177 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 13.0 seconds |
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.9 (combined) 7.3 (urban) 5.0 (highway) | ||
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.7 l/100km (35.1 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 litres (13.2 gallons) | ||
| Car dimensions: | 4.27m (length) 1.79m (width) 1.46m (height) | ||
| Turning diameter: | 11.1 meters | ||
| Trunk capacity: | 485 litres | ||
| Gross weight: | 1650 kg | ||
Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.4i-VTEC engine L13A i-VTEC 16v
Engine reliability and common problems:
The Honda L13A is a small 1.3-liter engine with an i-VTEC 16-valve design, known for its exceptional durability. It uses a timing chain and is widely regarded as one of the most reliable engines in its class. With proper maintenance, it can easily reach 250,000–300,000 km or more, and most issues that appear during its lifetime tend to be relatively minor.One of the main maintenance requirements comes from the absence of hydraulic lifters. Because of this, valve clearances must be checked and adjusted regularly, typically every 40,000–50,000 km. If this service is neglected, the engine may begin to produce noticeable ticking noises and fuel consumption can increase.
Ignition components also deserve attention. Some versions, particularly those using the i-DSI system with eight spark plugs, often suffer from problems when not all plugs are replaced during service. Running worn spark plugs for too long can eventually damage the ignition coils. The engine bay is also quite tightly packed, which makes certain maintenance tasks more complicated and can increase labor costs.
Another minor but common issue involves small oil leaks. These may appear around the oil pressure sensor or the camshaft plug. Electrical wiring can become brittle over time, and some owners report occasional cold-start difficulties in winter conditions.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the L13A remains one of the most durable small engines Honda has produced. With regular servicing, proper ignition maintenance, and periodic valve adjustment, it can operate reliably for many years.
Overall, this engine can last around 220,000 to 370,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
| Engine displacement | 1339 cm3 |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Bore (cylinder diameter) | 73 mm |
| Stroke length (piston move) | 80 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 : 1 |
| Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
| Fuel system | Injection |
| Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.4i-VTEC oil type | 5W-30 |
| Oil capacity | 3.6 litres (3.8 quarts) More service info |
| Power | 99 HP ON 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 NM ON 4800 RPM |
| Start of production (year) | 2001 |
| Duration of production | 25 years |
| Engine also used on | Honda Jazz |
All Honda Civic hatchback [2008 - 2011] modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Honda Civic 2008 1.3 Type S 1.4i-VTEC
Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption |
1.3 Petrol | 99 HP | 5.9 l/100km | Manual (6) |
|
Honda Civic 2008 1.3 Type S 1.4i-VTEC
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
1.3 Petrol | 99 HP | 5.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
| Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.8i-VTEC | 1.8 Petrol | 140 HP | 6.6 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| Honda Civic 2008 Type S 1.8i-VTEC | 1.8 Petrol | 140 HP | 6.8 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
|
Honda Civic 2008 Type R 2.0i-VTEC
Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds |
2.0 Petrol | 201 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| Honda Civic 2008 Type S 2.2i-CTDi | 2.2 Diesel | 140 HP | 5.2 l/100km | Manual (6) |
