A Honda diesel that’s Fit for California

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Honda has a redesigned, revamped Fit in the pipeline, scheduled for a 2009 U.S. appearance. And a diesel engine will be offered, one that will satisfy emissions regulations in all 50 states. So it should be just in time to ride the small-car, high-mpg wave as it crests. Honda is recognized, even revered, as a virtuoso of the four-stroke engine, but what diesel credentials does it have?

A version of Britain’s Honda Accord (badged the Acura TSX over here) has a turbocharged diesel engine that is one of the finest in existence, easily on a par with anything from Europe (the masters of diesel engine development). It is frugal, torquey, smooth and clean and even sounds pretty good. The Brits also get a brilliant TV ad with the ultra-catchy tune ‘Hate Something, Change Something’ and a voice-over by Garrison Keillor (wonder how he managed to square that with Toyota, sponsors of his radio show ‘Prairie Home Companion’).

So the small and practical Fit equipped with a Honda diesel engine could well supplant the Prius as the must-have car for those finding gas prices as increasingly inconvenient as the truth. Even Californians. Diesel has traditionally been about as popular as O.J. Simpson in the Golden State, but new technology should clean up that act and bring about a rehabilitation to rival Robert Downey Jr.’s. Diesel is heading west. It’s only a matter of time.

-- Colin Ryan