What's all this about then?
Three new engines from Honda that are set to debut at the Paris Motor Show, all blessed with firm's 'Earth Dreams Technology.'
One of them is the Civic Type R engine right?
Nope, actually much more important than that. While you and I will continue to drool over the Type R, the majority of people just want a frugal engine and that is exactly what the new version of the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel is. Set to debut in the CR-V SUV it replaces the old 2.2-litre unit but offers more power than the existing 1.6; 40hp more at 160hp and that's backed up by 350Nm of torque.
Ok you've piqued my interest, please continue.
Well the new unit can either be paired with a six-speed manual or a nine-speed auto with emissions improvements of up to 25 per cent compared to the 2.2-litre engine. The 160hp engine will initially be mated to a four-wheel drive system in the CR-V, but don't be too surprised to see it make its way to the Civic and the likes in front-wheel drive configuration eventually.
But what about the old 1.6 i-DTEC? That's a good engine.
Indeed it is and it will continue to be offered on front-wheel drive versions of the Honda CR-V, as well as maintaining its residency under the bonnets of the Civic hatch and Tourer models. It will also make an appearance in the Jazz-based HR-V crossover, but the big news in relation to that new SUV is actually the introduction of a 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which, unlike the diesel, can be had with a CVT automatic gearbox.
Yeah but nobody buys petrol powered cars anymore.
They do in small cars, which is why Honda has developed a new 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine for its upcoming Jazz supermini. A prototype of the car will be in Paris with the new engine and will go on sale next autumn.
Paul Healy - 30 Sep 2014