The 1.2-liter Honda L12B petrol engine has been produced since 2008. In Europe it powered the second-generation Jazz, and in Asia it became the base engine of the Brio, Amaze and some versions of the City.
It is a simple 16-valve SOHC unit with an aluminum block, timing chain and i-VTEC valve control; there are no hydraulic lifters. Depending on the version (L12B1, L12B3, L12B4) it develops 90 hp and 110-114 Nm.
L-series family: L13A, L13B, L15B, L15C, L15Z, L15A, L12B, L12A, L13Z, LEA, LEB, LEC.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 1198 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 90 |
| Torque output, Nm | 110 – 114 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 73 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 71.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.2 – 10.8 |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | i-VTEC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda Brio 2020) — city — highway — combined |
5.9 4.2 5.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 101 |
The engine was installed on:
- Honda Jazz 2 (GG) in 2008 – 2015 (Europe), Jazz 3 (GK) in 2015 – 2022 (India);
- Honda Brio 1 (DD) in 2011 – 2018, Brio 2 (DD1) since 2018;
- Honda Amaze 1 in 2013 – 2018, Amaze 2 since 2018 (India);
- Honda City 7 (GN) since 2021 (Pakistan).
Disadvantages of the Honda L12B engine
- Overall the engine is reliable and usually runs 300,000 km without serious repairs;
- The most common complaint is a dirty intake caused by the EGR valve;
- Oil leaks occur at the oil pressure sensor and the camshaft plug;
- Poor fuel quickly kills the spark plugs and then the ignition coils;
- There are no hydraulic lifters, so valve clearances need adjusting every 50,000 km.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda L12B
How much power does the Honda L12B make?
The Honda L12B develops 90 hp and 110 - 114 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Honda L12B take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Honda L12B have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda L12B uses a timing chain.
Is the Honda L12B turbocharged?
No, the Honda L12B is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda L12B need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Honda L12B last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda L12B is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda L12B?
Honda Brio 2020: city 5.9, highway 4.2, combined 5.2 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda L12B installed on?
Honda Jazz 2 (GG) in 2008 - 2015 (Europe), Jazz 3 (GK) in 2015 - 2022 (India); Honda Brio 1 (DD) in 2011 - 2018, Brio 2 (DD1) since 2018; Honda Amaze 1 in 2013 - 2018, Amaze 2 since 2018 (India); Honda City 7 (GN) since 2021 (Pakistan).
What are the common problems of the Honda L12B?
Overall the engine is reliable and usually runs 300,000 km without serious repairs. The most common complaint is a dirty intake caused by the EGR valve. All known problems.
