Vauxhall has revealed a new turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that will offered across its line-up, starting with the soon-to-be-revealed Astra-based Cascada convertible, from early 2013.
The aluminium block unit, the first in a range of so-called SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) Ecotec engines that form the centrepiece of the company’s downsizing strategy, is claimed to boast vastly improved torque characteristics and a significant reduction in consumption over the engine it replaces.
In standard trim, known as Eco Turbo, the 1.6-litre engine kicks out a claimed 168bhp and 206lb ft of torque – some 54bhp and 92lb ft more than the version of Vauxhall’s existing 1.6-litre engine offered in the Vauxhall Astra.
In a higher state of tune, in which it gains the working title Performance Turbo, the new engine’s reserves rise to 197bhp and 211lb ft, an increase of 20bhp and 52lb ft on the more powerful of the Astra’s 1.6-litre units.
Despite claiming fuel savings of up to 13 per cent, Vauxhall is yet to announce specific details to its new engine on a model for model basis.
