Honda unveils 1.6-L diesel motor

Honda aims to become the world’s number one in terms of engine efficiency with its new range of powerplants. The Japanese manufacturer officially unveiled its new 1.6-litre diesel engine at the Geneva motor show.

The engine is the first in a series of efficient units Honda will roll out under the Earth Dreams Technology banner. The 1.6 diesel – which Honda claims is the lightest engine in its class – is expected to emit 95g/km of CO2 and will be installed in the new Civic at the end of the year.

“With our Earth Dream Technology, we aim to be number one in terms of engine emissions within three years,” said Honda Motor Europe president Manuba Nishiru.

The new 1596cc unit produces 118bhp at 4000rpm and 30.55kgm at 2000rpm. Honda claims it is the lightest engine in its class, has CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km in a Civic and class-leading performance and economy.

A cutaway of the new engine will be joined on the Honda stand by a prototype version of the upcoming Honda CR-V replacement.