Honda has showcased an all-new small diesel engine at the Tokyo Motor Show. The 1596cc i-Dtec unit is the first of a new generation of engines the company is calling ‘Earth Dreams Technology’. It claims the tech will deliver a good mix of performance and environmental values.

The engine produces 118bhp at 4000rpm and a considerable 30.5kgm from 2000rpm, so it should have the performance end of the spectrum covered. Honda also claims it is lighter than any other 1.6-litre diesel engine in the market, and that CO₂ emissions are less than 100g/km. 

While its first application will be in the European Civic, it’s not yet clear which other models will use this 1.6-litre motor, but Honda says the new technology will make its way across the entire model range over the next three years.