13.12.2012 Citroen to roll-out new PureTech engine

PureTech, Citroen's new family of three-cylinder petrol engines, is to be rolled-out across the Citroen model C3, DS3 and C-Elysée ranges.

The design brief for the new-generation PureTech engines was to make substantial cuts in emissions and fuel consumption, and also to reduce the weight of the engines and to make them more compact (with a target specific power of 50 kW per litre).

PureTech’s solution of a three-cylinder engine has a number of advantages over a four-cylinder power-plant, including reduced energy loss through friction, fewer moving parts, lower weight and more compact dimensions, all of which cut fuel consumption.

The new engines have equivalent or superior power compared with the previous generation power-plants, combined with significantly lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, down by roughly 25%.

Two different capacity versions have been developed; a 1.0 litre and a 1.2 litre with power ranging from 68hp to 82hp (50 to 60 kW). Depending on the model and the tyres fitted, combined cycle fuel consumption for the new family is between 65.7mpg and 61.4mpg (4.3 and 4.6 l/100 km) and CO2 emissions range from 99 to 107g/km.

One PureTech engine is already available in the UK – in the Citroen C3 and DS3 models – combining economy plus top-level performance. The VTi 82 engine has a capacity of 1,199cc. Maximum power of 60 kW comes at 5,750 rpm for a 6 kW increase on the 1.4 litre unit it replaces.

Other advances have also been made with this version. Top speed is up 7mph (11km/h), and fuel economy is also improved - by up to 15.7mpg (1.5 l/100km) or 25% compared to the previous generation engine - to 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km). CO2 emissions are up to 35g/km lower at 104 g/km.

The VTi 68 engine, which will be available in the C3 range next year, has a capacity of 999cc. Maximum power of 50 kW at 6,000 rpm is up by 6 kW compared to the 1.1 litre engine it will replace. Progress has been made across the board, with the top speed increasing by 5mph (8km/h). Combined-cycle fuel consumption is down 17.8mpg (1.6 l/100km) to 65.7mpg (4.3 l/100km), while CO2 emissions are a full 38g/km lower at 99g/km.

Citroen