14.2.2013 Cleanest ever Vauxhall engine announced

Vauxhall's Zafira Tourer MPV will be the first model to feature the all-new 1.6 CDTi Start-Stop diesel engine, the first engine announced in a new family of four cylinder diesel units.

With its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month, this is Vauxhall's cleanest engine ever, and meets the strict Euro 6 emissions regulations.

The 1.6 CDTi unit delivers 136PS and 320Nm of torque while also offering impressive fuel efficiency of 68.9mpg on the combined cycle and 109g/km CO2 on average. This allows the Zafira Tourer to offer a combination of high torque, performance (with 0-60mph in 10.4 seconds) and fuel economy.

Available in the summer and featuring closed-loop combustion control and an aluminium block, this new four-cylinder 1.6-litre diesel engine has been designed for refinement with low levels of noise, vibration and harshness. It was developed entirely within GM by a global team of powertrain engineers.

Further expanding the Zafira Tourer's broad powertrain offer, the range now comprises five diesels, including a new high performance 2.0 BiTurbo CDTi engine with 195PS, and two petrol engines.

"Vauxhall continues to develop its award-winning model range with new and exciting technology," said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall's Chairman and Managing Director. "This new powertrain is Vauxhall's cleanest diesel engine in its illustrious 110 year history."

The new engine uses BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, helping it meet the strict European regulations. SCR is an environmentally-friendly exhaust after-treatment in which a harmless diesel exhaust fluid named AdBlue, is injected into the exhaust gas. The solution decomposes into ammonia, which is then stored on a catalyst substrate. Nitrogen oxide enters the catalyst in the exhaust gas, and is then selectively reduced to nitrogen and water.

With the price of alternatively fuelled vehicles, such as electric cars, still remaining high, low emission and highly fuel efficient conventional engines will remain popular among those wishing to keep their motoring costs down.