If Honda is going to challenge the premium brands then this automatic diesel is vital.
Honda has developed this new gearbox itself and the result is a smooth-changing unit that offers a bit of zip when switched into sport mode.
Strangely, though, the box is only a five-speed set-up, and on the motorway it feels like it could do with an extra gear because there were times when the revs were higher than they ought to have been at cruising speed. However, any improvements to fuel efficiency that the addition of a sixth gear might bring could be negated by the extra weight of a more complex gearbox.
The highly competitive official 42.8mpg figure and resultant 55.3ppm costs figure should be achievable, but there’s a niggling feeling both could be even better.
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