Indian auto industry was abuzz with the rumors of Honda planning to launch Honda Citydiesel in India by the end of 2012. Diesel cars in India have been selling like hot cakes and are gaining popularity due to the rising petrol price. One of our sources close to development informed us that the company has no plans to plan any launch of Honda City in diesel guise in the year 2012. Not just Honda City, the company has apparently ruled out launch of any of the model in diesel variant in 2012. Speculations were rife that Honda will bring its premium sedan Civic with a diesel heart, but now it seemsHonda Civic diesel launch will take time.

Honda currently does not have any diesel car in its India portfolio. Due to the lack of diesel variants in Honda’s fleet of cars, consumers are opting for other options available in the market. Honda is aggressively working on the development of new line of diesel engines; the company has also deputed ex-Formula1 engineers for the development of these engines. A 1.6 Liter i-DTEC turbo diesel engine was recently unveiled by Honda, the engine can churn out 120 BHp of robust power and a splendid 300 Nm of toque.

This engine is will power the upcoming 2012 Honda Civic sedan. Honda is also believed to be developing a small diesel engine which will be housed in the Honda’s hatchbacks, Jazz and Brio. If rumours are to be believed, Honda will exhibit another small size engine at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.