Exterior Differences

JDM Models : 88-89 Models had the deep front spoiler and the bonnet that dips in the center. Si Models had the Hump on the bonnet like the UK spec 1.6i-16 for the DOHC engine. Although it looks very similar to an 88-89 UK spec 1.6i-16 there is a difference. UK models had glass headlights with two bulbs where as JDM models have plastic headlights with a single bulb. The Japanese spec bulb is a different fitting and no where near as powerful. The sidelights are also different for each headlight type. 90-92 models had a softer looking front bumper with fake air scoops and wrap around indicator lights. Headlights and sidelights are also different for this age. Because the 90-92 Si models had the higher bonnet they unfortunately lost there hump. In order to change front ends you also have to change the bar that the bonnet latch is on.

UK Models : 88-89 1.6i-16 models had the deep front spoiler and the bonnet that dips in the center. 90-92 models had extra air scoops in the front bumper but kept the old style bonnet. Therefore they all had a hump on the bonnet to fit the DOHC cam engine. Yet again UK models have glass headlights where as JDM Models have plastic headlights, also the sidelights mount differently for each type of headlamp. All 1.6i-VT models had there own front bumper and the bonnet that rises in the center.

US Models : 88-89 US models are very similar to the UK except they don't have a hump on the bonnet and they also have yellow repeaters on the sidelights. 90-92 Models followed the UK spec 1.6i-16 in that it has the newer bumper and the older bonnet. US models also had glass headlights but they pointed the other way because there LHD.


88-89 JDM 1.5x	90-92 JDM 1.5x

88-89 UK 1.6i-16	90-91 UK 1.6i-16

88-89 US Si	90-92 US Si

JDM Models : 88-89 1.5x & Si Models had full colour Red & Orange rear tail lights. 90-92 age 1.5x & Si had most noticeably different light. Instead of the traditional full red & orange colour lights the new ones have a dark red surround and center section. Also the very bottom of the rear bumper has a slight lip sculptured into it. The SiR only ever got the later style rear lights and bumper. Note : JDM models also have a square rear number plate.

UK Models : 88-89 1.6i-16 models had the full colour red & orange rear lights, 90-92 models had the dark red surround style lights, the 1.6i-VT model only had the later dark red rear lights. The rear bumper had a lip on the later ages same as the JDM's. UK spec models also had a rear fog light which replaced the right hand reversing light on the later 90-92 UK spec models. On early 88-89 1.6i-16's they had the fog light set just to the right of the key hole and kept two reversing lights. On European models the rear fog light was an optional extra and was positioned in place of the left hand reversing light because they drive on the other side of the road.


88-89 UK 1.6i-16 Rear Lights	88-89 JDM 1.5x & Si Rear Lights

90-92 UK 1.6i-VT Rear Lights	90-92 JDM 1.5x & Si Rear Lights

88-89 UK 1.6i-16 Rear Lights w/fog light

UK 1.6i-VT and JDM Sir models had "VTEC" written under the CR-X logo. Some Japanese models had "Style SII" "Special Edition" or "Exclusive" written under the CR-X logo.

JDM Models : 88-89 JDM 1.5x models didn't have a spoiler as standard. The option was for a raised spoiler. All Si models had the Raised spoiler as standard. All SiR models had the VTEC rear spoiler with the center support the same as a UK spec VTEC. For some reason my 89 1.5x had the VTEC spoiler?!?

UK Models : All 1.6i-16 models had a flush mounted black rubber rear spoiler All 1.6i-VT models had its own raised spoiler with a center support.

JDM Models : 88-89 JDM 1.5x models had green tinted glass where as the 90-92 models had brown. All Si and SiR models had the brown tint glass.

JDM Models : 1.5x Models had a plain roof as standard. It was an optional extra to get a glass roof. All Si and SiR models had a glass roof as standard and had an option of an Electric Sunroof.

UK Models : As for as i know all UK models got the Electric Sunroof as standard.

JDM Models : Had there badges on the top right on the back of the car. (the black trangle. There were three badges, 1.5x, Si, and SiR.

UK Models : Had there badges on the top right of the back bumper. They were 1.6i-16 and 1.6i-VT. On 88 models the Badge was plain Gray. On 89-92 models they were Gray and Red. There was different shades of grey depending on the body colour of the car.

Around the side of the car very little has changed. The rubber strip around the car was smaller and some Japanese models had body colour strips. All 1.5x models from 1990 onwards had silver or gold around the bottom of the car instead of black, except for any Special Edition models which had black.

All JDM models had body colour mirrors, door handles, and rear spolier where as European models just had black.

There also appears to be two types of rear mudflaps. Some are about 2 inches longer than the other. When i first lowered my 1.5x the mudflaps rubbed on the ground for a month or so until they wore down :)