Honda launches first diesel auto

Nov 18 2008 Chris Russon

Honda launches first diesel auto

THE first diesel automatic to be developed by Honda will make its debut in the New Year.

With the auto box fitted to the medium-sized Accord saloon and estate, Honda is hoping to cash in on the corporate market where high mileage 'user-choosers' often prefer automatic transmission.

The five speed system will be mated to Honda's i-DTEC 2.2-litre diesel engine with top speed performance in saloon models of 129mph. Estate versions are said to be capable of 126mph.

Both models feature paddle-shift changes while CO2 emissions are 170g/km for the saloon and a minimum of 173g/km for the estate.

Average fuel economy is 44.1mpg and 42.8mpg respectively.

The Accord diesel automatic will go on sale in January priced from £22,400 for a 2.2 i-DTEC ES saloon and £23,700 for an estate in similar trim.