New Honda Civic 1.6 i-DTEC on sale in January


Honda’s new 1.6 i-DTEC Civic will be available from January 2013. The new diesel Civic variant will be available in three trim levels: SE, ES and top-of-the-range EX. The specifications will be identical to the equivalent 2.2-litre i-DTEC cars, but with the addition of new 16-inch alloy wheels, while the EX model comes also with front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and DAB digital radio.

According to the claimed official figures the new 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine develops 118bhp and 300Nm of torque, delivering 78.5mpg on the combined cycle and emitting only 94 g/km of CO2 meaning zero VED and exemption from the central London congestion charge. The new engine will also be making its way into the new CR-V SUV later in 2013.
The smaller i-DTEC engine joins the impressive 2.2 i-DTEC along with the 1.4 and 1.8 i-VTEC petrols in the Civic range. Developed for Europe, the engine is part of Honda’s ‘ Earth Dreams Technology’ programme. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. As with the Civic itself, the engine has been built at Honda’s factory in Swindon.

The 2.2 i-DTEC isn’t that much more powerful with 150PS and 350Nm. However the new 1.6 i-DTEC lower price and low CO2 figures will mean it will be a popular choice for company car drivers.

Prices will start at £19,400 for the SE model, £20,595 for the ES and £23,175 for the top-of-the-range EX.