Based on the EK, but I bet you’ve never seen it

Original – Honda Magazine – April 22, 2025 11:30 AM

It’s been some time since I finished writing about the sixth-generation (EK) Civic. Before I move on to the seventh generation (EP), let’s first introduce an extended model of the EK Civic.

🌟 Hello, my friend...
Welcome to a hidden gem—OLD FISHER DISCOUNT, your one-stop online shop with 9,999+ unique finds waiting for you. 🎉
🛒 Explore a World of Discoveries
Dive into our collection and uncover special treasures that will delight and inspire.
🔗 Start Your Journey Here: www.fisherdiscount.com
Come and see why we’re more than just a shop; we’re a place of endless possibilities! ✨

If I only show you one picture, would you be able to guess what car this is?

The car I’m introducing today is called the Orthia, a wagon built on the sixth-generation Civic (EK) platform. But in fact, it also has another identity—as the successor to the Civic Shuttle, which disappeared after the fourth-generation Civic (EF). This successor was born on March 1st, 1996, with a chassis code of EL1/2/3. However, after its return, it was no longer part of the Civic lineup and became an independent model.

The name Orthia comes from Greek mythology, known as the protector of children. 🪓

Compared to the EK Civic in terms of appearance, not only is the exterior design completely different, but the body length has also been extended by 200mm, all of which went into the rear trunk area. Additionally, some parts were sourced from the first-generation CR-V, such as the roof rack and front fog lights.

🚙 The tailgate of the Orthia is a two-layer structure. In addition to the entire rear door being able to open, the rear window can also open independently, making loading and unloading convenient.

In terms of engine and suspension, it uses the B20B and B18B1 engines from the CR-V. The maximum torque output is 178 Nm @ 5200 rpm and 172 Nm @ 5200 rpm, with maximum horsepower being 145 PS @ 6200 rpm and 140 PS @ 6300 rpm. The transmission options are a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual. For early models, only the 1.8L variant could be chosen with either automatic or manual; the 2.0L was only available with automatic. But in the later facelift models, the 2.0L variant also came with a 5-speed manual.

Although the factory only installed the B18B1 and B20B, since it uses the B-series engine, swapping in a B18C-R or combining the B20B block with a B16B head... well, a super wagon is born. 🚀

Since the Orthia uses the EK Civic platform, the suspension system still adopts front and rear double wishbones. This foundation ensures that even with a 200mm longer body, handling doesn’t deteriorate. In terms of drivetrain, the Orthia offers both FWD and 4WD versions. The 4WD system is the DPS Real Time 4WD (Dual Pump System), which consists of two hydraulic pumps, a multi-plate clutch pack, a one-way valve, and a sealed oil circuit. The two pumps are located at the central driveshaft and rear differential. This system activates when wheel slippage is detected.

Interior changes are not as significant as the exterior—well, that’s expected from a Civic-based extended model. 😶

On June 17, 1999, Honda upgraded the Orthia. The 2.0L B20B engine’s power increased from 145 to 150 PS, and a new sport version called Orthia S was introduced. It featured a ride height reduced by 15mm and some exterior changes, including a different grille, tailgate, and taillights.

Besides the sport version, Orthia also had a derivative model called the Partner, which debuted on March 15, 1996. This was a commercial-use wagon, with chassis codes EY6/7/8/9, and it came with four engine options: D13, D14, D15, D16. The suspension system also used double wishbones front and rear.

🏦 Although both are wagons, the Partner and Orthia were positioned differently—Partner was a commercial wagon, while Orthia was for family use.

When Orthia first launched in 1996, sales were excellent, with a steady 5,000 units per month. But by September 2000, with the Civic platform transitioning from EK to EP, and as Orthia was only an extended derivative model—and given the declining popularity of wagons in the Japanese market along with engine emission standards—the Orthia’s sales started to fall. Honda officially announced the discontinuation of Orthia in January 2002, and by October that year, the remaining inventory was cleared. The Orthia officially ended its life cycle. However, the Partner commercial model continued to be sold until it was finally discontinued in 2006.

Although the name Orthia no longer appears on new Honda models, the company continues to produce this type of wagon-like vehicle—like the Stream and the more well-known Jade. 🚗