52mpg Honda Accord goes on sale (EU)

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Launch report: Honda Accord i-CTDi

Like most manufacturers, Honda realises that the diesel sector is one that it can ill afford to ignore as growth in diesel sales has continued to rise every year. And with the senior chief engineer Kenichi Nagahiro leading the development team you can be sure that this is no ordinary diesel engine. Nagahiro was responsible for the Indycar design and development programme which in turn led to the current Formula One programme; he was also the man behind Honda's VTEC technology.

With the Accord already established as a popular D-segment car, Honda knows that the introduction of a diesel version has to add to this reputation. The 2.2-litre i-CTDi engine is of an all-aluminium construction which delivers 140PS at 4000rpm with a maximum torque of 340Nm at 2000rpm. Transversely mounted, the four-cylinder unit uses second-generation common-rail injection and exceeds the requirements for Euro IV emission controls. And with consumption figures of 52.3mpg (48.7mpg for the Tourer)...


Diesel heaven from Honda

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So Honda decided it had to have a diesel, but it was so jealous of its reputation for petrol engines that the company kept work on its new 2.2-litre common-rail turbo diesel a closely guarded secret for years.

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It's quiet, refined and totally civilised, and is right up there with the best in class in terms of performance. The new engine boasts the highest torque, or pulling power, in its class, and that makes for impressive low-speed flexibility, exceptional mid-range overtaking power and amazing fuel economy.

The bald performance figures put the iCTDi pretty much on a par with the two-litre petrol engine car - a top speed of 130mph and acceleration from rest to 62mph in 9.4 seconds...


Honda creates a new diesel

All the benefits of diesel with the refinement of a petrol unit

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The Accord Diesel offers high-mileage motorists low-stress driving and the best economy figures in class, boasting an impressive 52.3 mpg. It also exceeds the European emission controls requirements set for 2004, so drivers can enjoy reduced Benefit in Kind taxation for company cars, and also save through lower CO2 emissions tax.

But what’s really striking about the diesel engine is just how quiet it is. At speed it simply hums, whilst in town you get none of that characteristic diesel rattle. Its rigid construction and acoustic insulation minimises noise at tick-over and a clever engine mounting system effectively absorbs any vibration generated.

Honda’s 2.2 litre unit also retains all of the high-torque characteristic of diesel, boasting terrific pulling power. It’ll do 0 to 62mph in 9.4 seconds and is responsive at low speeds for town driving, while enjoying great handling and control thanks to the sophisticated double-wishbone suspension...


Also:

Accord’s 'Whispering' Diesel

Honda UK

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1. This interests me

since I've been looking at the VW Turbo Diesels. It's not an anti-German thing, but I've never trusted VW's because I've had some really bad ones in the past. REALLY bad. I love Hondas and the two Civics I've owned were fabulous, IMO the CRX was the best car ever made. Now, if only Honda would bring these diesels to the US and put the new engine in a Civic I'd be a happy camper.

Ford and the others should take notice of this trend toward diesel. I'm really trying to like Ford, the Focus is a decent car, but I won't buy one because it gets crappy gas mileage.

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2. I think Honda's reputation is well-deserved

Although my Golf TDI has been excellent over the last 3 years.

On averge the VWs seem to be about as reliable as an American car, but (esp. with diesels) more durable. You can generally keep them on the road longer, and the TDI engine is rated for a minimum life of 300,000 miles.

Ford and I believe all the other US brands selling in Europe do offer clean diesel models. Ford's diesel is a common-rail design and you can get it in the Mondeo and other models.

Honda will probably bring their i-CTDI here in 2006. That's when low-sulfur diesel becomes mandatory in the US, and these new diesels won't work correctly on our rotgut high-sulfur fuel. You will also see a LOT of other very nice diesels brought over that year, including VW/Audi's more advanced PD engines.