Future Honda clean diesel CR-V will average 70 mpg

On January 3 Honda announced that the very successful 2013 CR-V crossover had joined the Accord and Civic in the over 300,000 cars sold per year segment of American Honda Motor Company. Not a small accomplishment in a very crowded small SUV segment.

Honda recorded the second best sales year in the company’s North American history and came in just behind Chrysler with 1.5 million units sold in 2013.

What appears to be driving CR-V sales is not only an increase in new buyers but the return of satisfied owners looking to upgrade to a 2014 model. According to owners interviewed, while the interior and exterior dimension of the 2014 remains unchanged, the vehicle has an improved ride, reduced road noise and upgraded satellite linked navigation and personal communications interface.

In speaking with Paul Casey of the Kendall Auto Group, Eugene, Oregon, buyers are very happy with the overall quality and performance of the CR-V and love the new 7” phone- navigation touch screen monitor.

While the 2014 CR-V is the most fuel efficient cross-over in its class, claiming 31 mpg highway on gasoline, I propose that Honda take it a step further by offering the 1.6 i-CID-1 inline 4 “clean diesel” as an engine option.

Currently available in Europe, I believe it’s time for North America to enjoy the economy, efficiency, and torque of diesel power.

Honda has announced that an EPA Tier 2, B 5 compliant direct injected clean diesel will be available in North America no later than model year 2016. Honda will meet stringent EPA emission standards by utilizing a 3 stage catalytic converter proprietary to Honda. Currently offered in Europe and Asia as an “Earth Dreams” option, versions of the 1.6 and 2.2 liter diesel engine can be found in the Accord, CR-V and City.

Although the “City” is a smaller car based on a Fit platform claiming 26 kmpl, it gives us a glimpse at the future, as Honda and other manufactures flirt with 70 and 80 mpg fuel efficiency.

Think of this... A 2016 CR-V diesel hybrid, featuring Honda “Earth Dreams” propulsion technology and "smart" 4 wheel drive control management. Now that would be worth waiting for.