Who makes the Honda 2.2 CDTi engine?

Honda Motor Company makes the 2.2 CDTi engine. It is Honda’s own in-house 2.2‑litre common-rail diesel, better known by Honda’s branding as the 2.2 i-CTDi (engine code N22A), developed by Honda R&D and produced primarily for European models, with major manufacturing at Honda’s Swindon, UK, facility.

What the engine actually is: i-CTDi, not a bought-in “CDTi”

While some markets and listings refer to Honda’s diesel as “2.2 CDTi,” the official Honda name is 2.2 i-CTDi (later succeeded by 2.2 i-DTEC). Unlike many rival diesels that were sourced from partner brands, Honda designed and engineered this powerplant itself specifically for Europe, debuting in the 2003 Accord.

Development and manufacturing

The 2.2 i-CTDi was Honda’s first self-developed modern diesel. Engineered by Honda R&D, it features an aluminum block, a variable-geometry turbocharger, and a high-pressure common-rail injection system. To serve European demand, production for the region was centered at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon from the mid-2000s. The engine’s successor, the 2.2 i-DTEC (N22B), was likewise a Honda design.

Where you’ll find it

The 2.2 i-CTDi powered several Europe-focused Hondas during the mid-to-late 2000s. The following list highlights the core models and typical model years where it appeared.

• Accord (2003–2008, including Tourer)
• Civic (approx. 2006–2011, early years with i-CTDi before i-DTEC arrived)
• CR-V (mid-2000s through late 2000s, depending on market and generation)
• FR-V/Edix (mid-to-late 2000s in applicable European markets)

Exact availability depended on market and model year, but across Europe the 2.2 i-CTDi became a mainstay diesel option before the i-DTEC update phased in around 2008–2009.

Common confusion with other “CDTi” engines

“CDTi” is also a label used by other brands, notably Opel/Vauxhall, often referring to GM/Fiat JTD-derived diesels. Honda’s 2.2 i-CTDi is not one of those; it is a Honda-developed engine, unrelated to Isuzu, PSA, Fiat/GM, or any other third-party diesel family. The shorthand “CDTi” for Honda typically appears in informal listings or dealer advertising, but the correct Honda designation is i-CTDi.

Quick facts

Below is a brief fact sheet to place the 2.2 i-CTDi in context.

• Manufacturer: Honda Motor Company (developed in-house)
• Engine code: N22A (i-CTDi); successor N22B (i-DTEC)
• Displacement: 2.2 liters (approx. 2204 cc)
• Typical outputs: around 103 kW/138 bhp and 340 Nm (varied by application and year)
• Production focus: European-market Hondas, with major output from Swindon, UK
• Notable: Earned multiple European engine accolades in the mid-2000s

Together, these points underscore that the 2.2 i-CTDi was a milestone for Honda—its first widely deployed, self-developed modern diesel tailored to European expectations for performance and efficiency.

Summary

The Honda 2.2 “CDTi” is Honda’s own 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine, conceived and engineered by Honda and produced primarily in the UK for European models. It is not sourced from another manufacturer and should be correctly referred to by Honda’s i-CTDi (and later i-DTEC) nomenclature.

Who makes the Honda 2.2 diesel engine?

i-CTDi engine
The Honda N22A engine is Honda’s first in-house developed diesel engine. The project to develop this engine had been underway since 1995 under lead engineer Kenichi Nagahiro and the first engines were released in 2003.

What is the life expectancy of a Honda CR-V 2.2 diesel?

Thanks to Honda’s commitment to quality engineering and performance, a well-maintained CR-V can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles.

What are the disadvantages of the I-DTEC engine?

Q: What are the disadvantages of the I-DTEC engine? It is not a fast engine. Push it hard and you hear the diesel growl, it is steady but unrefined. Some will call it dull, but perhaps that is because they expect power from something that was made for longevity.

Who makes the CDTI engine?

General Motors
The Medium Diesel Engine (MDE) is a four-cylinder diesel engine developed by General Motors and branded “1.6 CDTI Ecotec” in most markets. Opel also adds the marketing term “Whisper Diesel” in some markets, claiming relatively low levels of noise, vibration, and harshness.