Honda has finally moved to fill a key 'gap' in its product inventory for the European market – a home-produced diesel engine.

The world's biggest manufacturer of engines has never produced its own diesel. But the company has now revealed that it intends to launch its first home-grown oilburner at the Frankfurt show in September.

The new Honda diesel engine is a 2.2 litre, 4-cylinder 16-valve all-aluminium second-generation common rail, initially intended for the Accord Saloon and Tourer.

Built at Takanazawa in Japan, but aimed at the European market, first year output is expected to be 24,000.