The new engine makes its debut in the British-built Civic which and be arriving in dealerships from early next year, priced from £19,400 and will also be making its way into the new CR-V SUV later in 2013.

The all-new powerplant has been developed exclusively for Europe, and is being built at Honda’s factory in Swindon.



The firms claims class-leading figures of 94g/km and 78.5mpg on the combined cycle, with a power output of 120bhp. The 1.6 i-DTEC unit features a six-speed manual gearbox and will be available in three trim levels.

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.



The specification for this trio of new variants will be identical to the equivalent 2.2-litre i-DTEC cars, but with the addition of new 16-inch alloy wheels. It includes front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and DAB digital radio.



First deliveries will start in January 2013.