This type of engine remains the favorite of many users, especially in countries like France. Diesel cars are the queens of autonomy, because they offer very low consumption. We chose these four four-cylinder diesel engines.
Diesel, still popular despite everything
There was a time (and not so long ago) when the dominant mechanical offering from most manufacturers was the diesel engine. Times have changed and today it is difficult to find this engine. Some brands have even given up on it. However, there are a few options left and we are going to present to you four four-cylinder diesel engines which remain an excellent buy.
Despite the continued messages that have proliferated throughout the past decade against the diesel engine, it remains the preferred option for many drivers, particularly in France.
The diesel engine remains the most recommendable option for users who cover many kilometers each year, as this technology offers the lowest cost per kilometer on the market.
The undeniable advantages of diesel
Diesel cars are the queens of autonomy, those which offer the lowest consumption and greater torque at low revs. And we have reason to believe that diesel is still alive and well, as Citroรซn's decision to re-offer the Berlingo with this engine shows.
Here are four of the most popular four-cylinder diesel engines that remain a great buy for 2024.
The Mercedes diesel engine
Mercedes has always prided itself on making good diesel engines and currently has one of the best four-cylinder diesel units on the market in its catalog. It has a displacement of 2.2 liters and develops 200 hp. It is found in several models under the 220d name, such as the C-Class and the E-Class.
This engine offers an excellent balance between power, acceleration capacity and controlled consumption, and allows the car to move with agility. In addition, it is quite quiet and almost does not vibrate.
Another advantage of this diesel engine is that it has a 48 volt electrical system which, in addition to reducing consumption, allows it to obtain the ECO label from the DGT.
The Mercedes 220d engine can achieve consumption figures of around 5 liters on the motorway, which makes it possible to cover enormous distances with a single tank. This is possible, in part, thanks to its nine-speed automatic transmission, which operates very smoothly and whose ninth gear allows you to drive at very low revs.
The BMW diesel engine
Another of the kings of the market, in terms of four-cylinder diesel engines, is BMW's 2.0-liter four-cylinder Twin Power Turbo unit. This engine is fitted in models like the 320d or the 520d and develops 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque.
This engine has two overhead camshafts, common rail direct injection, variable intake and a variable geometry turbo.
It is mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission and, like the previous one, it has a 48-volt electrical system which provides an additional 14 hp in certain situations and benefits from the ECO label.
The Volkswagen diesel engine
The Volkswagen group continues to produce several diesel engines which remain a very attractive option for purchase. The most balanced is the well-known 2.0 TDI with two power levels, 116 and 150 hp.
This engine is present in several models of the group and has an advanced pollution control system, as well as some modifications compared to the previous engine which make it quieter and more efficient.
Generally speaking, this engine offers good performance with low consumption. In fact, it is one of the cars that consumes the least fuel in real conditions, making it a very recommendable option for those who regularly make long journeys.
The Mercedes plug-in hybrid diesel engine
The fourth four-cylinder diesel engine that we consider a good purchase option is another Mercedes engine. But in this case it is a special engine, because it is the only plug-in hybrid diesel on the market.
It is found in several models in the star range under the name 300 and it is a 2.0 liter turbo engine which develops 197 hp and 440 Nm of maximum torque, associated with an electric motor of 129 hp with the same torque.
Together, the propulsion system develops a power of 313 hp or 333 hp (depending on the model) and 750 Nm of torque. In addition, it is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 31.2 kWh which offers an electric range of between 102 and 128 kilometers, depending on the version. This allows it to display the DGT ZERO label on the windshield.
Despite the current favorable trend towards electrification, it is clear that four-cylinder diesel engines still have a bright future ahead of them. Efficient, economical and now cleaner, they remain a wise choice for many motorists, particularly those who travel long distances. So, diesel, not dead?
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