The car has an A tax band rating and returns fuel economy of a 78mpg equivalent. Power output is 120hp and there's 300Nm of pulling power available.
Fuel savings have been achieved by a number of technologies as well as production techniques that have resulted in the new engine being the lightest of its type and size in the world.
MD of Honda Ireland Adrian Cole says the arrival of the new engine will enable the brand to 'lock horns' with the market leaders Ford Focus and VW Golf.
