Under the hood, the all-new 1.5L i-DTEC motor will come from a new family of diesels that consists of 1.5L, 1.6L and 2.2L displacements. The 1.6L & 2.2L are primarily for the European market. The 4-cylinder 1.5L i-DTEC is basically a scaled-down version of the 1.6-litre diesel that Honda sells in Europe, so this four-cylinder unit has a twin-cam, 16-valve head. While Honda didn't reveal the power ratings, it is likely to be in the range of 90 - 100 BHP and 200 - 210 Nm of torque. The gearshift and clutch action, both of which are smooth and light, adds to the smooth movement of the car in the city. The heavier diesel engine at the front meant Honda stiffening the front springs though the rest of the suspension is the same as the Brio's.
Few highlights of the new engine:
• The engine is called "Earth Dreams Technology"
• The development work on the new engine started in 2007
• It is lightest diesel engine in its class.
• It has vertically mounted intercooler.
• Features an aluminium block, high strength narrow crankshaft, lightweight pistons and high swirl and high flow rate head design
• Engine is mounted on liquid-filled mounts, instead of rubber units, to reduce vibration.
• BS-4 compliant.
