Honda and Ariel renew exclusive engine supply deal

Honda UK and Ariel Motor Company have renewed their exclusive engine supply agreement.

Now in its 16th year, the partnership facilitates the supply of the 2.0-litre K20Z Honda 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine for the Ariel Atom, giving the model a 0-60mph of 3.12sec, while the newly introduced off-road Ariel Nomad gets the Civic 2.4-litre K24 Honda 4-cylinder i-VTEC petrol unit, powering the car from 0-60mph in 3.4sec.

As standard, the Atom produces 245bhp with an Ariel-tuned Engine Control Unit (ECU) or customers can opt to supercharge it to either 310bhp or 350bhp.

Both models are mated to six-speed close ratio gearbox with reverse aluminium alloy casing.

Ariel boss Simon Saunders said: “Our customers are hugely passionate about driving so the engine is everything. When we tell new customers it’s a Honda, they simply nod and move on to the next question. They just know that it works.

“Switching to Honda engines was one of the best decisions that we've ever made. It’s a brand that can’t be matched for performance and bulletproof reliability and we’re delighted that this success is set to continue well into the future.”

Managing director of Honda UK, Philip Crossman, says: “The Ariel brand is an incredible British success story with a fascinating history and pedigree in producing bespoke machines that driving fans love. The two brands are a perfect match – not least with our common engineering expertise and reputation for unrivalled performance, reliability and durability.

“With the engine such a key factor, it’s a huge endorsement for Honda that Ariel chooses ours over others, and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership for many years to come.”

Danni Bagnall