Honda's reputation for consistently bringing clever solutions and creative thinking to whatever new area of technology it has chosen to pursue continues with the 2.2 i-CTDi engine; producing a class-leading diesel engine has been as much about materials science and production technology as it has about engine architecture.

Employing a series of advanced technologies and crucial attention to detail, both in terms of construction and operation, has delivered an engine that is light in weight, compact, yet immensely strong, and delivers optimum combustion characteristics.

Core intelligent combustion technologies include optimum use of the combustion chamber, a continuously variable swirl control valve, a common rail system, variable nozzle turbocharger and an electrically operated EGR valve. Achieving exceptional refinement, NV reduction technologies include offset cylinders, a second order balancer shaft and an acoustic engine cover, while friction is minimised through technologies such as roller follower rocker arms. Close coupled and under floor catalytic converters contribute to the low emissions performance. 

The common rail injection system, providing pressures up to 1,600bar, allows close regulation of injection pressure and timing to give optimum performance across all driving conditions. A small amount of fuel introduced prior to the main injection - the pilot injection - helps lower combustion noise.

This common rail system closely interacts with the variable nozzle turbocharger to ensure optimum control over intake pressure, facilitating higher intake pressures at a lower speed, as well as better fuel economy and fewer harmful emissions through lean burn combustion.



6-speed manual transmission

Civic Type S's 6-speed manual transmission features an improved shifting action thanks to a shorter synchro sleeve stroke, a linkless rotation select structure, detent bearings for reduced friction and higher capacity bearings. Other upgrades include a variable lever ratio shift arm and a new gear specification with better inter-meshing from third to sixth gears.

Every component was also carefully analysed and where possible reduced in size and weight (for example the gear synchroniser), without compromising reliability. The result was so successful, that Honda's 6-speed manual transmission is even more compact in size than the 5-speed transmissions from some competitors. 



Honda i-SHIFT 6-speed automated manual transmission

Type S 1.8 models can also be equipped with Honda's i-SHIFT automated manual transmission. The clutch and change actuator ensure good fuel economy, while the sequential paddle shift allows sporty gear shifting. The Transmission Central Unit is used to control the clutch with hydraulic power generated by a direct current (DC) motor that replaces the operation of a manual transmission clutch pedal. Gear changes are particularly smooth without compromising the system's sportiness. 

Switching between Auto and Manual modes is via a button placed beside the gear lever or through the steering wheel mounted paddles. During manual mode operation, the selected gear is displayed to the left of the speedometer.

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