HONDA has confirmed it’s culling diesel from its engine line-up on the new CR-V.
The large SUV which will go on sale with just a turbo petrol or hybrid engine when it hits showrooms next year.
It’s a landmark move from Honda which has previewed its first ever electric SUV with the Hybrid Prototype.
And it confirmed all new full model updates in the future will receive an electric option – although it stopped short of saying all diesels would be ditched.
It follows Volvo’s commitment to focusing on hybrid and EV tech from 2019 – and more manufacturers will have to follow suit ahead of the 2040 diesel and petrol ban.
The sale of diesels has already slumped by 20 per cent in August and manufacturers are currently offering lucrative deals to scrap older, dirtier models.
Huge incentives of up to £10,000 are available on the latest, greenest models instead.
Honda’s diesel-free future was previewed with the reveal of its Hybrid Prototype ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show.
It features revised styling – including broader, muscular wheel arches and a wider body – that hints at the all new CR-V.
The biggest change is under the bonnet, though, with a two motor i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) combining an electric engine with a 2.0-litre petrol.
There’s no conventional gearbox either but a complicated single gear ration system and the i-MMD will decide which of the three driving modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive – you should be in for maximum efficiency.
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A Honda spokesman said: “What we’re seeing from Honda is a shift in the focus of our R&D activity, investment and expertise away from diesel and towards electrification. The first example of which is the launch of new CR-V.
“From this point onwards, all new Honda models launched in Europe will feature electrified technology.”
