Honda Diesel Powered Civic Hatchback for Europe, Why Not The U.S.?

Back in late 2015, a 2016 model year 1.6 Liter turbocharged EarthDreams ™ diesel engined European Honda Civic Hatchback broke the fuel economy world record.by driving further than any other car at that time on one tank of fuel. It’s not uncommon for us to read from our European, Japan Honda-Torque News readers of diesel powered Civics, CRVs, and Accords, averaging the U.S. equivalent of 60 MPG, with recorded emission standards equal to or surpassing a U.S. E.P.A. compliant gasoline engine.

With Diesel Gate now behind us, would consumers purchase a diesel Civic?

Truthfully, yes, a fuel efficient, super low emissions diesel powered Honda Civic 5-door hatchback or CR-V would sell relatively well in the U.S..D.M.V. registrations for the first quarter of 2017 shows a measurable increase in diesel powered cars and light trucks in the U.S., none of them Honda, although Honda does have the technology on hand to do so.

Market reality check

But here’s the thing. Although Diesel Gate is fading fast in the memory of most U.S. consumers, with relatively inexpensive gasoline, and turbocharged, small displacement, gasoline engines, approaching diesle engine torque and fuel efficiency numbers, Honda has little to no U.S. market incentive to import a diesel powered Honda Civic Hatchback -- and it certainly will not happen before years end. Me? I’d like to see one installed in Ridgeline Pickup.

That’s my qualified opinion. What’s yours? Your civil, thought provoking comment, is always welcome at Honda Torque News. Would you purchase a diesel powered Honda?