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Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC

New small-capacity diesel promises greater efficiency than ever

Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC

By Graham Hope

November 2011

The new Honda Civic has had a mixed reception so far. We were impressed by the 2.2-litre diesel but less so by the 1.8-litre petrol.

The 148bhp diesel has had its power increased and torque upped, while it delivers great economy at 67.3 mpg. But it’s expensive. The 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol isn’t cheap either, and has to be revved hard – it feels pretty unresponsive at low revs.

Video: watch our video review of the Honda Civic

 

So the need for a new engine is clear – and Honda is pinning its hopes on a new turbodiesel. The four-cylinder 1.6-litre i-DTEC certainly promises to be an interesting addition to the range, and has some clever technology on its side. Honda claims it will offer an unbeatable blend of fuel economy and power output, delivering best in class figures for both.

Key to achieving this is its low weight. An aluminium open deck block is used to shed the pounds  – indeed, Honda claims it is the lightest engine of its type in the world, and at 170kg, it weighs significantly less than the 2.2. A more compact auxiliary system helps to reduce friction, too. Improvements in the cooling system reduce CO2 consumption by 15 per cent. When combined with the compact high-efficiency turbocharger, the results are impressive.

There’s plenty of pull from low-down and acceleration is strong from 2,000rpm-4,000rpm, although you have to work the admittedly solid six-speed manual gearbox hard to keep in the power band. Refinement is adequate at high speeds, although not on a par with the best in the class.

It promises to be a winner in terms of efficiency, too. Estimated fuel economy will be around the 75mpg mark, and sub 100-g/km emissions are promised, meaning free road tax.

Elsewhere, the rest of the package reflects the upgrades made to the rest of the range. The cabin uses better quality materials and the dash is more logically laid out. There’s plenty of space, too.

Re-tuned suspension has improved the Civic’s ride, and it makes for agile handling and an enjoyable drive. Key to this engine’s success, though, will be price, and with it not due to be launched for another 12 months, Honda is playing its cards close to its chest in terms of what you might expect to pay. 

Get it right, and it will be an interesting alternative to the class leaders.

For an alternative review of the latest Honda Civic visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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9 Comments

Interesting feature

But I can't get over the looks of this Civic (I didn't mind the styling of the old one, despite the awkward rear) or the fact that it hasn't been well received by the motoring press.

So hopefully this new engine will find its way into the Jazz - that would be a great little family car.

By gavsmit on 30 November, 2011, 11:58am

CZ

The text indicates that mpg has not been annouced and also that the 2.2 manages 67.3 mpg - yet the at a glance section indicates the 1.6 at 65.7mpg which is lower and also not an estimate - perhaps this needs to be updated?

By cziar1 on 1 December, 2011, 9:26am

keith

good move, honda, to put smaller and -surely- more economical diesel in the civic and, as gavsmit hopes, too, LET'S GET THIS ENGINE IN THE JAZZ..... and at a price that undercuts the expensive and not-cost-effective jazz hybrid. I'll buy one. I had Jazz some time ago. Great car but fuel consumption would have greatly improved with decent diesel. Hybrid is just too expensive for the modest fuel benefits. Come on, Honda. Just do it :)

By keitharksey on 1 December, 2011, 9:33am

'There’s plenty of pull from low-down and acceleration is strong, although you have to work the admittedly solid six-speed manual gearbox hard' - I'm totally confused by this, it seems contradictory.

By WillD on 1 December, 2011, 10:14am

cziar1 and WillD

Thanks for highlighting those points, the text has been amended appropriately.

Dean Gibson

By clutchless on 2 December, 2011, 11:03am

if only for that awful front mask

they really need to do something about the front mask really fast
to an otherwise, as per the specs, good car.
This black piano touch is something else!!!!
They should have stuck with the previous front if they were out of ideas!
Rest of the body looks quite good.

By kirra1 on 6 December, 2011, 8:57am

Get your facts right

"a flexible Jazz-style seat arrangement is a welcome addition". Is this so called motoring expert not aware the the Civic has had the feature since 2006


By AlanShaw on 6 December, 2011, 9:57am

Nice one

Well done Honda for investing in another clean engine. This will certainly sell. I deal for in-town driving where the larger engine is not needed. I loved my Civic and i am glad to see the ride has been improved. The increase in efficiency is also good. But the front mask is off putting and i can see a face lift will be on the horizon to address this, just like before.
Another concern is the complicated design and packaging is expensive on the insurance.

By f1moh on 8 December, 2011, 9:21am

:(

dont like the black plastic around the wheel arches. makes it look cheap... :(. very gutting. big fan of honda..

By dhopkinson2011 on 30 December, 2011, 2:19pm

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Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC
Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC
Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC

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FIRST OPINION

    This new 1.6-litre diesel engine will be a major weapon in the Civic’s armoury. Our test drive confirmed it’s a strong performer, and fuel economy is likely to be respectable. It won’t go on sale for a year, but if you are in the market for a Civic diesel, it promises to be worth the wait.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £18,000 (est)
    Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power: 118bhp
    Torque: 300Nm
    Economy: 75.6mpg (est)
    Emissions: 99g/km (est)
    On sale: Late 2012
     
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