Japanese carmaker Honda is planning to launch its first diesel engine powered Civic Hatch in Australia in April 2013.
The new Earth Dreams Technology series' 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbo diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and it is aimed at generating an output of 88kW and 300Nm of torque.
Honda Australia Sales and Marketing director and general manager Stephen Collins said that the new diesel engine is a first for Honda in Australia.
"Earth Dreams Technology was created from an awareness of rising fuel prices combined with increasingly stringent environmental performance targets," Collins said.
"This new generation of powertrains brings advanced driving performance and low emissions within reach of our customers."
The six-speed manual transmission is aimed at offering enhanced transmission efficiency and the new reverse system would improve operation load and quietness.
Features of the new Civic include tyre deflation warning system, daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, auto stop/idle stop, hill start assist, auto headlights and wipers, dual zone climate control, ECON Mode and multi-information display.