Honda to build its first diesel auto

Honda's first diesel-powered car with an automatic gearbox will go on sale in early 2009.

The five-speed automatic transmission will initially be fitted to the next-generation Accord and Accord Tourer, before being rolled out across the Honda range.

Details of the revamped Accord will be released next week, ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show in March.

The car will initially go on sale this summer with three engine choices: 2.0- and 2.4-litre petrols, and a 2.2-litre diesel.

The Accord and Accord Tourer are lower and wider than their predecessors, and Honda expects the Accord's sportier image and top-end equipment levels to allow it to battle with the BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and Audi A4 for sales.