2012 Honda Civic i-DTEC Engine: Cleaner and More Powerful

The latest piece of info coming our way in regards to the new generation Honda Civic, which is set to make its world debut in Frankfurt this September, concerns the vehicle’s power unit. According to the Japanese automaker, at the heart of the ninth generation Civic (in European guise) lies an improved 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine.

The unit produces 147 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, while emitting just 110 g/km of CO2. This means the 2.2 diesel delivers a 10 hp boost over the outgoing engine.

In order to achieve these figures, the engineers at Honda have carried extensive wind tunnel testing to improve the car’s aerodynamics, reduce drag and refine high speed stability. In addition, the oil flow through the engine has been carefully managed to reduce circulation loss, while engine materials and components have been revised to reduce friction. A five g/km reduction in CO2 was also achieved with the addition of Idle Stop (start/stop) technology.

“To achieve a good CO2 figure, you need to optimise every aspect of the car,” said Katsushi Watanabe, Development Leader for the engine. “Reducing the emissions was our key target and we’re proud to say that we have achieved this without compromising the high performance character of the engine. We want our customers to have fun when they drive this car.”

We’ll remind you the new Civic will be offered exclusively as a five-door hatchback and will compete in the C-segment. It will reach European showrooms in early 2012.

autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.