Honda India might discontinue its 1.5L diesel engine

"It would be difficult to clear RDE norms with the current diesel engine."

According to a media report, Honda may pull the plug on the 1.5-litre diesel engine when new emissions regulations come into effect in 2023.

The report states that Honda is evaluating the viability of diesel as a fuel, as the country moves to Real Driving Emissions (RDE) norms from April 2023, followed by the second phase of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ 2). The new regulations would require vehicles to achieve emission targets in the real world and not just under ideal test conditions.

Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India, has stated that it would be difficult to clear RDE norms with the current diesel engine. Europe faced a similar situation as automakers had to discontinue diesel engines when new regulations came into effect.

At present, Honda offers diesel engine options on the City and Amaze. However, the company is slowly shifting its focus to hybrids and all-electric vehicles. The City is already offered with a strong-hybrid option and the carmaker has also started evaluating EVs for India.

Source: TOI