Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited (HACPL) has stopped accepting bookings of the 1.5 liter Civic Turbo variants. However the 1.8 liter variants will continue to be sold in Pakistan.
Launched in 2016, the 10th generation Honda Civic was considered as one of the most anticipated cars to be launched in our market. It was also the first local assembled car to offer a turbocharged engine.
Related: The 1.0L Turbo Civic Launched in China
Like everywhere else, the 10th gen Civic aka Civic X became an instant hit and helped HACPL achieve handsome sales. Honda Atlas sold 34,896 units (Civic & City combined) between July 2016 to May 2017, compared to just 23,800 units sold in the same period a year ago.
Right from the beginning the 1.5 liter Turbo variants attracted a lot of customers instead of the regular 1.8 liter variants and HACPL received more orders for the Turbo variants compared to the naturally aspirated version. However even before the formal launch HACPL was suggesting its 1.5 Turbo customers to switch the booking to 1.8 liter variants to avoid a possible fuel compatibility issue, since the mandatory fuel requirement for the 1.5 liter Turbo was Ron 91.
Although there is no official word from HACPL regarding the reason behind the discontinuation of the turbo variant, it is largely believed that the engine knocking problem, which has been experienced & reported by a lot of customers is the core reason. It is worth to mention here that Pakistan was the only country in the world, other than Somalia where the Ron87 petrol was being sold, the time when Civic X was introduced.
Related: Somalia & Pakistan Are The Only Countries To Use RON-87 Petrol
Ministry of Petroleum then decided to ban the preparation, selling or purchasing of Ron87 petrol in country after which the refineries started to mix the imported Ron97 Petrol with Ron87, making it the Ron92 petrol currently available in the country.
Honda dealerships are either offering a full refund against the booking of 1.5 Turbo, or an option to switch their order to 1.8 liter versions. It is also said that the bookings maybe resumed whenever the technical issue is resolved, so the production halt can be temporary, however there is no official word from Honda Atlas as of yet.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
