SPAIN - The new Opel Astra to come equipped with the new Whisper 1.4 Turbo ECOTEC diesel engine.

• Petrol engine with four-cylinder, all-aluminum.
• Immediate response: dynamic throttle response and high performance.
• Advanced technology: direct fuel injection and turbocharging to achieve greater efficiency

Opel show in Frankfurt Motor Show the new engine 1.4 Turbo ECOTEC direct injection for the first time in the new Opel Astra. The compressed turbo four-cylinder with direct fuel injection core engine will be available with two power levels 125 hp / 92 kW to 150 hp / 110 kW.

This combination linked to this new aluminum engine with the recently introduced 1.0 Turbo ECOTEC direct injection and known ADAM and the Opel Corsa. In fact, the new 1.4-liter four-cylinder can be considered the older brother of three cylinders and a liter. 

Both engines belong to the family of small gasoline engines; a group of mechanical three- and four-cylinder 1.6-liter displacements below.

New reference: quiet four-cylinder engine as a whisper

It has paid great attention during the development of the 1.4-liter Turbo engine with high performance and dynamic response, while content is fuel consumption. 

The engine delivers maximum torque soon up to 245 Nm. The maximum is available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, an area surprisingly large. The conditions are perfect to combine driving fun with fuel efficiency.

According to preliminary data, the powerful turbo engine equipped with Start / Stop technology has a consumption of only 4.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km in combined cycle (114 g CO ₂ per km). 

Therefore, the 1.4-liter Turbo can compete in performance even with two-liter engines and replace. Engineers have paid great attention to the sound level and the performance against vibrations during the development of the new engine, as is already done in developing the engine of one liter and three cylinders. 

The engine block has been built keeping in mind the reduction of resonance, the oil pan is divided into two parts, the integration of the stock in the exhaust manifold is insulated, it has designed a cover of absorbing noise distribution. 

They have been decoupled injection valves and distribution chain has been cut to have a low concentricity.

"Our new turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with direct injection and core attributes responds to powerful, efficient and quiet. Made entirely of aluminum, in addition to being environmentally friendly, sets new standards in ride comfort, "says Christian Müller, vice president of GM Powertrain Europe.

For its construction, the new 1.4 ECOTEC turbo engine with direct injection adds less weight to the vehicle.Only aluminum engine block weighs 10 kilos less than the forged steel of the current 1.4-liter turbo being the perfect choice for the new Opel Astra and efficient. 

It is precisely in terms of efficiency where the new 1.4-liter turbo shows its technological advances. To make the engine as light as possible, the crankshaft is hollow, the oil pump is low friction and works with two levels of flow as needed. 

All the motor is designed to operate with low viscosity oils 5W-30. All these measures ensure high efficiency in fuel consumption.

While three-cylinder engines are the typical representatives Opel engines (smaller, lighter and more efficient) reduced engine, Opel engineers speak of "engine optimized" when, for example, speak of the perfect balance between efficiency high and low load the new 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder.

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors caused.

GENEVA - Dacia celebrates 10th anniversary of re-birth with a new engine for the Duster.

• New 125 hp petrol turbo engine delivers outstanding driveability
• 205 Nm of torque from just 2,000rpm
• Loaded with technologies to cut fuel consumption and emissions
• Available in the UK in 2016
• Dacia marks 10 years and 3.1 million sales in Europe

Dacia is celebrating 10 years of unrivalled success in Europe and the Mediterranean basin at the Geneva Motor Show by introducing a new TCe 125 turbocharged petrol engine to the four-wheel-drive Duster.

The TCe 125 engine is perfectly suited to the Renault Group’s downsizing strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while enhancing driving pleasure and performance. It is a 1.2-litre unit crammed with the latest energy-saving technologies – engine Stop & Start, deceleration energy recovery and reduced friction – while delivering comparable performance to a normally aspirated 2.0-litre unit.

This aluminium-block 1,198cc unit develops, as the name suggests, 125 hp, but of greater importance for everyday driving and off-roading is the maximum 205 Nm of torque available from just 2,000rpm to 3,000rpm. This endows the Duster with outstanding driveability and flexibility. Ninety per cent of maximum torque is available from just 1,500rpm.

The high torque output also allows for a wide spread of gear ratios. A short first gear in the six-speed four-wheel-drive transmission allows the car to manoeuvre at very slow speed on rough terrain, while a long sixth makes for quiet, comfortable, economical highway cruising. That high torque output comes from a combination of direct high pressure fuel injection and a turbocharger with a twin continuous angle variator on the camshaft.

Renault’s engine Stop & Start technology minimises fuel consumption and emissions in traffic while ensuring that fuel is always injected into the most appropriate cylinder for instant restarting, while the deceleration energy recovery system stores energy normally wasted as heat during slowing down and stopping in the battery to restart the car. Fuel consumption, emissions and performance figures will be announced closer to the car’s launch date.

The Duster’s four-wheel-drive system has three operating modes so that drivers can select the most efficient programme for the road and conditions. The system can be locked in two-wheel drive (100 per cent of engine torque to the front wheels) or four-wheel drive (50:50 torque distribution), or put in Auto, in which case the torque balance varies according to the car’s speed and the grip at each wheel, up to a maximum of 50:50 front-to-rear.

Ten years of continuous success  

Dacia was launched in Europe and the Mediterranean basin in 2005 with the introduction of the Logan, since when it has sold more than 3.1 million vehicles. In 2014 sales by the Romanian brand topped 500,000 for the first time (511,362), giving the company a market share up by 0.4 per cent to 2.5 per cent.

Dacia manufactures seven models – Logan, Logan MCV, Sandero, Duster, Lodgy, Dokker and Dokker Van – and boasts one of the most modern product ranges in Europe. Duster and Sandero account for two-thirds of sales (160,000 each) followed by Logan at almost 100,000. Sandero is the third best-selling model in France and the best-selling model of all in Spain. In the UK the company commands a one per cent market share only two years after arriving, with sales of 23,862 in 2014.

Dacia is now 99.43 per cent owned by Renault, which invested close to €500 million (£400 million) in the company between 1999 and 2004 to modernise its facilities and product range. It is now represented in 44 countries.

New Nissan NV400, the widest set of variations ever for Nissan popular light Commerical Van.

• More power and improved fuel economy from Twin Turbo engines
• Fuel saving aids including Stop & Start and regenerative braking
• New ECO driving mode, plus Hill Start Assist
• New DAB radios

With a range of efficient new engines offering more performanceand lower fuel consumption, new safety equipment, greater comfort and a host of new technologies, the 2015 Nissan NV400 is ready to continue Nissan's offensive on Europe's light commercial vehicle market.

Introduced to great acclaim in 2011, the NV400 has proven to be a front-runner in the heavy van and chassis cab segment of the market - thanks to its versatility, the wide choice of models and the strength and standing of the Nissan dealer network.

The new NV400 builds on this reputation to create a formidable range of highly efficient vehicles perfectly in tune with today's demands for a practical working van with a low cost of ownership.

TURBO ENGINES

Some the most significant changes can be found behind Nissan's familiar grille where the range of dCi engines has grown to five, offering more performance and greater refinement. But despite the power increases, fuel economy is actually better than before.

All have a common base - a state-of-the art 2.3-litre common rail/direct injection, four-cylinder, 16-valve turbo diesel developed by Alliance partner Renault.

A pair of single turbo units produce 110hp/285Nm (previously 100hp) and 125hp/310Nm and these are joined by a pair of newly developed Twin Turbo units, developing 135hp/340Nm and 165hp/360Nm. Also available is a 150hp/350Nm version of the engine that has a variable geometry single turbo and is available only with a robotised semi-automatic gearbox.

The new Twin Turbo models are seen as ideal for vans and chassis cabs needed for heavy-duty work or for longer journeys. The technology uses a small turbocharger to generate increased torque at low revs (up to 1,500 rpm) for more rapid acceleration at city speeds or when fully laden.

At higher engine speeds, the larger turbo takes over to provide more power and a usefully wider torque band that is especially appreciated at motorway speeds. Thanks to this increased flexibility, there is less need to change gear to maintain momentum. This not only reduces driver fatigue but also enhances fuel economy.

The Twin Turbo models also benefit from Stop & Start technology and regenerative braking via a new Energy Smart Management (ESM) system that together enables the 165hp version, for example, to return an impressive economy figure of 6.9litres/100km over the combined cycle.

COST EFFICIENCY

It is estimated that the new 165hp NV400 will consume up to 1.5 litres/100km less than its 150hp predecessor, a significant saving of up to €1,500 over three years.

Drivers can contribute to improved fuel economy as well: the new NV400 has a number of on-board eco-driving aids including driving style and gear shift indicators and an ECO mode switch which limits harsh acceleration by limiting available engine torque as well as optimising the climate control system settings.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

New NV400 also benefits from a number of advanced technologies providing greater safety and enhanced cabin comfort.

One such feature is Extended Grip, which is available on both front- and rear- wheel drive versions of NV400. Operated via a dashboard button, Extended Grip works with the new ESC system to optimise traction in tricky conditions such as mud, sand and snow. Extended Grip transfers engine torque between each of the driven wheels as required and by as much as 25 per cent to help start off and to maintain traction.

Another feature is Hill Start Assist, which automatically operates when pulling away on a slope with a gradient of more than 3 per cent. Primed by pressing the footbrake, when the driver moves his foot from brake pedal to throttle the system ensures the van will not move backwards for two seconds... by which time the driver will be ready to pull away.

Towing safety is addressed by Trailer Sway Control, which is fitted when the tow bar option is specified. Should a trailer start to sway from side to side, the system reduces available engine torque and applies the brakes to the driven wheels to bring the trailer back into line.

A new Wide View Mirror enhances driver visibility. Mounted on the passenger side sun visor, the mirror more than doubles the angle of vision towards the far side of the vehicle, helping the driver to keep a check on traditional blind spots. It also operates as an extra visual aid when reversing.

Passenger versions of NV400, meanwhile, benefit from a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System that alerts the driver to a loss of pressure in any of the tyres via a dashboard warning light.

Improvements have also been made to the in-cabin sound system, with a new single-DIN DAB digital radiothat incorporates Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity and a CD player.

The premium sound system combines a CD player and MP3 playback with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity and USB and iPod inputs. Albums and tracks can be selected via steering wheel remote controls with the titles displayed on the multi-media screen.

MODEL RANGE 

As before, the NV400 range encompasses a vast array of models and configurations. There are front- and rear-wheel drive versions, three wheelbase options, four different lengths and three different heights while cargo volumes range from 8 to 17 cu m.

There are also a variety of different bodywork options. In addition to factory-built panel vans, combis and chassis cabs for specialist body builders, conversion companies offer crew vans, box vans, tippers, drop-side trucks and minibuses.

NV400 is practical, too, with wide sliding side doors and rear French doors which can be glazed or unglazed and which can open up to 270 degrees. Depending on the model, a standard Euro pallet can be loaded sideways through the side doors: the opening on the three longer models is 1270mm wide ­- easily capable of taking a 1200mm wide pallet.

Generous cargo lengths start at 2583mm in front-wheel drive versions and rise to 3733mm, while rear-wheel drive models start at 3733mm with an impressive 4383mm available in the largest version. This can hold up to, five Euro pallets.

The cargo area can be supplied with wood side paneling and floor trim for maximum protection and there are no fewer than four different partition walls available, ranging from a 1/3 tubular partition behind the driver to a full width glazed wall with protective grille. Lashing hooks are provided on the floor and in the C and D pillars.

"NV400 has already proved to be a versatile and popular vehicle with fleet operators and owners/ drivers alike, and the new 2015 model year version is certain to build on that popularity.

"The improvements we have made not only make it a safer and even more pleasant place to be, but also significantly enhance the driving experience at the same time as reducing overall running costs, thanks to improved fuel economy. It's a win/win for everyone," said Ponz Pandikuthira, Director of Light Commercial Vehicles in Europe.