Honda is launching its first automatic diesel in January 2009.
The auto gearbox will be available on the company’s 150PS 2.2-litre i-DTEC engine.
The gearbox is making its diesel debut on the Accord and is the same as the one used in the petrol version of the upper medium car.
It comes with five ratios and produces emissions of 170g/km for the saloon and 173 for the estate.
Honda has the corporate customer firmly in mind with the diesel auto.
“Company car tax legislation has driven much growth in diesel sales and resulted in traditional ‘petrol heads’ re-assessing their choice of powertrain,” said Graham Avent, Honda’s sales manager. “For many of these drivers, the final hurdle in their transition to driving a diesel is whether or not it is available as an automatic.”
