Honda is getting ready to market a 1.6L i-DTEC diesel engine on the 2013 Honda CR-V. The international launch of the compact diesel CR-V variant is scheduled for the 2013 Geneva Motor Show which begins in the first week of March.
The Honda CR-V diesel will be exclusive to the European markets. In fact, the new 1.6 i-DTEC diesel engine with EarthDreams technology comes from the European Civic.
The 1.6 i-DTEC CR-V will be offered in two-wheel drive and only with a manual transmission. Honda believes that this combination will provide an exceptional balance of performance and economy.
The key term to understand over here is ‘EarthDreams’. It is essentially a technology pack that will decrease the carbon footprint of Honda. Thanks to EarthDreams, Honda’s 1.6 i-DTEC engine is the lightest engine in its class. As a result, it provides spirited performance, nimble handling and low running costs for customers. Indian customers won't just have to admire this technology, they can experience it too, starting with the Brio Amaze later this year.
Since the diesel Honda CR-V will be exclusive to European countries, it will be built at Honda’s manufacturing facility in Swindon. It is expected to hit showrooms in the autumn 2013.
Back home, Honda is gearing up to launch the petrol version of the new Honda CR-V this week. It will be offered in a selection of two engines -
- 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine with 153 bhp
- 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine with 185bhp
The smaller motor will be available with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox. The more powerful motor will be only available in an automatic avatar with Honda's on-demand four-wheel drive system.
The 2.4-litre Honda CR-V will be the top end variant with paddle shifters. It will also get an electric sunroof, 6.1-inch multimedia information display and a rear view camera.
Standard features across the range include leather-wrapped seats, steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control and one touch folding rear seats.
Honda India also plans to offer a range of accessories for its new baby in form of two styling packages - Inspire and Elegance. These accessories would range from chrome embellishments, scuff plates, tailgate spoiler and sculpted running boards.
Of course, Honda India is aware that selling a petrol SUV in a diesel dominated market is not going to be easy. Thus, to ensure a competitive price, Honda will bring the CR-V in a CKD form instead of a CBU. This should translate into a more aggressive price tag.
[Source: 3d-car-shows.com]
