Honda has achieved a significant improvement in CO2 emissions for the diesel version of the new Civic, due to launch in 2012.

The new model will use a 150bhp version of the 2.2 i-DTEC engine currently featured in the Accord and CR-V.

But CO2 emissions in the Civic will be 110g/km, beating rival products such as the 140bhp Volkswagen Golf TDI (114g/km), the 140bhp Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi (129g/km) and the 165bhp Vauxhall Astra 2.0 CDTi Ecoflex (119g/km).

The engine marks a drop of 29g/km over the previous Civic 2.2 i-CTDi, which was discontinued in 2010.

For the new Civic (pictured with disguised bodywork), the oil flow through the engine has been carefully managed to reduce circulation loss, while materials and components have been revised to reduce friction losses. The Civic also benefits from the addition of stop/start technology.

Katsushi Watamane, development leader for the engine, said: "To achieve a good CO2 figure, wou need to optimise every aspect of the car. Reducing the emissions was our key target and we're proud to say that we have achieved this without compromising the high-performance character of the engine."

Extensive wind tunnel testing was carried out to improve aerodynamics, reduce drag and refine high speed stability.

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