New Honda diesel engine and CR-V concept headed for Geneva

The new Earth Dreams 1.6-litre diesel engine will debut in the European Honda Civic hatch later this year. It produces 88kW and 300Nm, and promises class-leading fuel economy.

Honda is yet to reveal average consumption figures, but the company says CO2 emissions will be below 100g/km. The 1.6-litre unit will also be the lightest diesel engine in its class, according to Honda.

The new engine is set to be the first in a family of new engines that will be released over the next three years, all promising to offer optimum fuel efficiency as well as excellent performance.

Also set to make its debut at Geneva is the European CR-V Prototype. The styling of the European CR-V - tweaked from the US version - should be more representative of the compact SUV that goes on sale in Australia later this year.

Limited details have been announced, although Honda says it will feature aggressive new styling, with deeper contours and bumpers that blend SUV capabilities with smooth aerodynamic design. The production version will go on sale in Europe during the third quarter of this year.

As a bonus highlight, Honda will show its version of the NSX Concept, which was originally revealed as an Acura at last month's Detroit motor show. It will feature the same V6 hybrid engine package and SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) drivetrain as the Acura.