Honda Ballade Sports CR-X 1.5i
Honda's tiny two-seat-plus-luggage sports hatch put a fuel-injected 1.5-litre engine into a low, slippery and light body. It was built around Honda's idea of giving people more room while making the machinery take less space.
1983 Japan Honda Ballade Sports CR-X 1.5i · TTTNIS · Public domain
Research pending
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More than a set of wheels.
Honda announced the Ballade Sports CR-X on June 23, 1983 and put it on sale through Japanese Verno dealers on July 1. The 1.5i sat above a carbureted 1.3 and used PGM-FI electronic injection. Honda's launch material called it an FF lightweight sport and highlighted unusual ideas including a roof-fed ventilation system and an outward-sliding electric sunroof.
Look a little closer.
Honda measured the 1.5i at 0–100 km/h in 8.8 seconds with two occupants; that was a company test, not a government fuel-economy procedure.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Three valves, carefully arranged
Honda fitted two 27 mm intake valves and one 32 mm exhaust valve in each cylinder. The company explained that hot exhaust gas moves faster, so one larger exhaust valve could balance the flow of two intake valves. The result aimed for much of a four-valve engine's breathing with a more compact layout.
Source: Honda Factbook — Ballade Sports CR-X 12-valve engine ↗Lightness beyond thin metal
Honda reduced mass and rust exposure by using H.P. Alloy polymer panels for the front fascia, lamp flaps, front fenders and lower door trim, plus H.P. Blend bumpers. This was paired with a low hood, semi-retractable lamps and flush body surfacing, so the same design work helped both weight and airflow.
Source: Honda launch release — Ballade Sports CR-X ↗Where these facts come from
- Honda launch release — Ballade Sports CR-X
- Honda Factbook — Ballade Sports CR-X 12-valve engine
- Honda Factbook — performance and economy
- Honda Factbook — lightweight four-bore aluminum block
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 2, 2026.