Vauxhall has announced that it will overhaul its engine line-up over the next 12 months with the current offerings to be replaced by three all-new units.
Leading the charge will be a 1.6-litre turbocharged ECOTEC petrol engine with direct injection and start-stop. Set to replace the current 1.6-litre unit, the new engine will offer 200hp (20hp more than its predecessor) and 300Nm of torque. Yet despite the power hike Vauxhall claims that emissions have been cut by 13 per cent. No word yet on what cars will be fitted with the new engine put considering the power output the Astra and Insignia are the most likely models.
"The quality, reliability and driveability of our cars is improving at an unprecedented rate," said Duncan Aldred, Chairman and Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors. "Replacing core engine ranges with high-output, high efficiency units will enhance our cars' appeal still further and reinforce our commitment to producing first-class products."
There is no word on the other engines - one petrol and one diesel - although a three-cylinder unit for the new Adam city car would make sense and the 1.7-litre CDTi of old is well past its best and likely for the chop.
Paul Healy - 14 May 2012