Honda’s CR-V model will be the next to benefit from the carmaker’s Earth Dreams technology 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine.
Newly launched on the Civic model, the highly efficient engine will enable Honda’s SUV model to follow suit and cut emissions to just 119g/km CO2.
Appearing at the Geneva Motor Show this week, the new CR-V Earth Dreams model will be available as a two wheel drive car with manual transmission and will benefit from 300Nm of torque and 120PS.
To be built exclusively for Europe at Honda’s plant in Swindon, the model will go on sale this autumn.
The 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine was launched on the Civic back in January. On this model, the engine combines its impressive 120PS power output with CO2 emissions of 94g/km and a combined fuel economy of 78.5mpg.
The lightest diesel engine in its class, weighing 47kg less than Honda’s 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine, it was the first engine to realise Honda’s new Earth Dreams Technology philosophy.
Honda promises that it will introduce a range of smaller-capacity turbodiesel engines too, based on its new 1.6 litre i-DTEC. With small diesel making up some 58 per cent of the European market for Civic-sized cars, this could help the brand capture more of the market.
With the increasing demand for lower cost motoring and a trend for two-wheel drive diesel SUVs, Honda hopes that the arrival of the 1.6 i-DTEC engine on the CR-V will have a similar market-boosting effect for this model too.
In keeping with its SUV credentials, the model also boasts a spacious 1648 litres of luggage capacity. The CR-V also include Honda’s easy fold-down 60/40 split rear seats which can be folded flat in one movement.
Features on the new derivative include Honda's ECON mode which helps to minimise fuel consumption and the Eco Assist system which advises drivers on how their driving style is impacting on fuel economy. Idle Stop technology will also be standard on the new CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC.
Over five million CR-Vs have been sold across the world since its introduction in 1995.
Full details, specs and pricing will be revealed closer to the autumn launch date.
Faye has been writing about cars and environmental issues since 2007. A suspected eco-warrior working on the corporate inside, Faye mainly likes the weird, quirky vehicles that show a distinct environmental advantage. Her ideal car has enough room to fit a bale of hay in the boot. When not working, she likes nothing better than to head out on her bicycle and explore the countryside.
Faye Sunderland
March 05, 2013
Filed under: Honda
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