Swindon’s Honda plant is the first in Europe to launch the Japanese car manufacturer’s latest eco-friendly and tax free diesel engine under its Earth Dreams Technology environmental programme.
The 1.6 litre i-DTEC engine makes its debut in the Swindon-built Civic which will be arriving in dealerships from early next year, priced from just £19,400 and will also be making its way into the new CR-V SUV later in 2013.
The all-new powerplant has been developed exclusively for Europe, and tested extensively on a variety of roads across the continent.
This new engine pushes the Civic into the competitive corporate market with a combination of fuel economy and performance. The engine produces only 94g/km meaning that it is exempt from road tax and offers a fuel efficient 78.5 mpg.
Honda’s i-DTEC diesel technology has already proved its environmental credentials over a number of years. It went on sale in the UK in 2.2-litre guise in the refined Accord Saloon/Tourer in 2008 and the award-winning CR-V sports utility vehicle in 2010.
The first deliveries of the 1.6 litre i-DTEC Civic commence in January 2013.
