The Euro-spec Honda Civic with the 1.6 liter i-DTEC diesel engine is now available with a 9-speed automatic transmission, which Honda says delivers impressive shifting refinement and official average fuel economy of 24.4 km/liter in the latest NEDC test.
This is the first time that a combination of diesel engine and an automatic gearbox has been available on a Civic. The 9-speed auto is available for all grades across both, four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models.
Related: The New Honda Civic Diesel Delivers Best in Class Mileage
The Civic Hatchback was introduced in Europe early last year with two turbocharged petrol engines, a 1.0 liter three-cylinder and a 1.5 liter four-cylinder. Gearbox options included a six-speed manual and a CVT.
The 1.6 liter i-DTEC engine produces 120 PS at 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. Combined with the 9AT, it can power the five-door Civic from 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds, and on to a top speed of 200 km/h. The new powertrain combo has also recorded low CO2 emissions of 108 g/km (sedan) and 109 g/km (hatchback).
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Honda says that with a wide spread of gears, the 9-speed torque converter automatic is very efficient – the very low first-gear ratio delivers a smooth and powerful launch, while a high top-gear ratio ensures low engine speed while cruising, which reduces fuel consumption and noise.
Another thing worth mentioning is that depending on the engine speed and throttle application, the transmission is also capable of ‘skipping’ gears for quick response, for example shifting down directly from ninth to fifth gear or from seventh to fourth, in addition to one- and two-gear downshifts.
The Civic Hatchback is made in Honda’s Swindon plant in the UK, while the sedan continues to be built in Turkey for European markets. Honda is yet to introduce the i-DTEC-9AT combo in any Asians-spec Civic, however this combo is available on the CR-V in Thailand.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
