Honda’s new 1.6L diesel i-DTEC Civic for Europe offers 65 mpg US
10 November 2012
Honda is launching a Civic model equipped with a new 1.6-liter diesel i-DTEC engine in Europe. The i-DTEC Civic, which will arrive in dealerships early next year, delivers fuel economy of 65 mpg US (3.6 l/100 km) with CO2 emissions of 94 g/km (down one gram from the 95 g/km level announced by Honda Motor Europe’s President, Manabu Nishimae, earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show). (Earlier post.)
This is the first engine to be launched in Europe under Honda’s flagship Earth Dreams Technology program. (Earlier post.) The engine—developed exclusively for Europe—will also be applied in the new CR-V SUV later in 2013.
As with the Civic itself, the engine is built at Honda’s factory in Swindon (UK).
The 1.6-liter i-DTEC offers maximum power output of at 4000 rpm, and 300 N·m (221 lb-ft) of torque at 2000 rpm).
The 1.6 i-DTEC unit features a 6-speed manual gearbox and has an exact capacity of 1597cc and in the Civic offers a maximum power output of 118 hp (88 kW) at 4,000 rpm while maximum torque is300 N·m (221 lb-ft) at 2,000rpm. The new variant will be available in three trim levels. Prices will start at US$30,800.
The specification for this trio of new variants will be identical to the equivalent 2.2-liter i-DTEC cars, but with the addition of new 16-inch alloy wheels. The 1.6 i-DTEC EX has also been enhanced with several convenience features including front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and DAB digital radio.
Honda’s i-DTEC diesel technology first went on sale in a 2.2-liter unit in the Accord Saloon/Tourer in 2008 and the CR-V sports utility vehicle in 2010.
Interesting low fuel consumption but very high price for a non-hybrid compact car?
Would a similar compact car and Diesel ICE equipped with HEV system do close to 80 mpg?
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 November 2012 at 09:21 AM
Harvey, price includes UK's VAT at 20%. So pre-tax it's more like $25.7k.
Posted by: JN2 | 10 November 2012 at 10:22 AM
Tks JN2. They should do the HEV-Diesel version fro that price?
Posted by: HarveyD | 10 November 2012 at 01:27 PM
Harvey,
65mpg is a European cycle figure. It's probably not going to get 50 mpg in real life.
Posted by: Bernard | 11 November 2012 at 05:43 AM
Thank you Bernard. When will we have a unique International standard expressed in Km/L, similar to the Japanese standard?
If this car does only 50 mpg, the Toyota Prius III may be a better choice. The next generation Prius IV, with lighter Li-On battery and more efficient ICE, will probably do 55 to 60 mpg.
Posted by: HarveyD | 11 November 2012 at 08:58 AM
Bernard,
European cycle numbers are achievable if you don't mount an automatic transmission and 'gun it' at every green light.
You would also be required to drive with foresight and in the highest possible gear at all times. Not exceeding the speed limit also helps a great deal.
I always get 10-20% better mileage than the sticker number and I don't stay under the speed limits. To be fair, I do not do a lot of city driving.
Peter_XX would probably tell you the same.
If I did not hate the rear of the Civic hatch back so much, I would seriously consider this for my next car. Right now, I am leaning towards the Golf VII, being previously a happy owner of a Golf V. This Honda engine seems better than the 1.6 TDI, though.
Posted by: Thomas Pedersen | 12 November 2012 at 09:36 AM