Honda has built a reputation around making some of the most advanced gasoline engines in the industry. Thanks to its vaunted Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control or VTEC system, everyday motorists can get to experience fuel efficiency and excellent power delivery in one mill.
But many may not be aware the Honda likewise makes diesel motors, sold in other markets such as Europe. In fact, it has been using this engine in its various Euro-spec vehicles for quite some time. And now, Honda i-DTEC is about to make its way to the Asia-Pacific market.
Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co. Ltd recently announced that it will soon introduce the said diesel mill in the upcoming next-generation Honda CR-V. The fifth-gen Comfortable Runabout Vehicle (CR-V) will come with the company’s 1.6-liter i-DTEC four-cylinder diesel lump that was developed under the patented Earth Dreams technology.
Utilizing smaller components, the oil-burner is touted to be lightweight yet still provide outstanding power and torque, as well as stellar fuel economy. Honda pegs output at 160hp at 4,000rpm and max torque of 350Nm at 2,000rpm. Those who know their engines will note that these figures are at par with larger-displacement powerplants.
Beyond the excellent power figures, the 1.6-liter motor has a claimed fuel consumption of 18.6km/L and emits just 18.9 g/km of CO2. To further ensure efficiency, a first-in-class 9-speed automatic gearbox will be fitted to the new CR-V..
Honda will unveil the all-new CR-V in Thailand and the rest of Asia real soon.
