Honda may launch CR-V diesel in 2015

Honda kick-started its diesel campaign in India last year, with the launch of the Amaze sedan. The Japanese car maker has planned diesel engines for all upcoming new cars like the Mobilio and Jazz and now there are rumours that Honda is considering a diesel engine for the CR-V.

According to the report, the CR-V may be powered by a higher displacement diesel engine from the same Earth Dreams diesel engine family. The CR-V is sold in some markets with an option of two diesel engines a 1.6-litre and a 2.2-litre. The CR-V in India is most likely to get the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel mill. This engine produces 118bhp and 300Nm of torque. The SUV might have to give away the AWD setup as this engine configuration is available only in two-wheel-drive. The CR-V in the UK driving conditions delivers an amazing fuel economy figure of 22.2 kmpl overall. It can be bought for £ 21,995 (Rs 22.75 lakh) in the U.K.

The added advantage is that Honda has set-up a diesel engine manufacturing unit in its plant in Tapukara. It won’t be a surprise if the 1.6-litre all-aluminium diesel engine might be manufactured in India. This will help keep the pricing in check and customers opting for the diesel won’t have to shell a fortune for it. The CR-V diesel might be priced below the AWD petrol variants and could start from Rs 25 lakh onwards, according to a report in a website. 

Honda might introduce the CR-V diesel in India by 2015 and it will compete with other soft-roaders like the Audi Q3 S and the Mini Countryman. In comparison, Honda is better placed than the competition with the added advantage of adequate service centres and the fact that it will be cheaper to run and maintain in the long run.

Source: Autocar