What's the news?
Vauxhall will next year introduce a new 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine that will produce up to 170hp and a massive 400Nm of torque. It will replace the existing 163hp 2.0-litre engine across the range and will make its debut in the Zafira Tourer MPV, after being shown off for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in a few weeks' time.
Mechanicals
Vauxhall claims that the engine is quieter and smoother than the outgoing unit, has more power and 14 per cent more torque, yet lower emissions and fuel consumption. Based on the same design as the new 1.6-litre CDTi, the 2.0-litre engine gets exhaust after-treatment to ensure that it emits as little NOX as possible, to comply with the tough new Euro VI emissions legislation.
More significantly, it has a clever little variable-vane turbocharger that is partially electrically powered, leading to a 20 per cent improvement in turbo response. The turbo also has its intercooler mounted close to the engine so as to drop lag to a bare minimum.
The new engine's clever injection system runs at a colossal pressure of 2,000 bar and can inject fuel up to ten times per combustion cycle, leading to cleaner, leaner burn cycles and improved noise and vibration suppression. At the bottom end of the engine, there's also a balancer shaft to even out vibration, so this unit really should be a big smoothie. Vauxhall is claiming that it's 5db quieter at idle than the outgoing unit.
Anything else?
"This excellent new powertrain is part of the company's €4 billion investment in product and powertrain development, which is helping to bring 23 new products and 13 new engines to market" said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall's Chairman and Managing Director. "This new large diesel engine is extremely important to Vauxhall as a sizable amount of customers chose a 2.0-litre CDTi engine."
"This sophisticated engine makes a perfect partner for our top models including Insignia and Zafira Tourer," said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall's Head of Carline Brand. "Its high power density, refinement and frugality place it among the very best diesels in its class."
Neil Briscoe - 11 Sep 2014