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Greenhouse crass?
In their short-term efforts to stop the planet warming, more and more manufacturers are introducing small capacity pressurised petrol engines. Renault, VW Group and the new Astra all offer turbos of 1.2 or 1.4 cc while MB has reduced the capacity of its supercharged C180K to 1.6. The promise of enhanced performance, low fuel consumption and low emissions is very persuasive but what are the downsides? Can a 1.2 Yeti or 1.6 C Class ever be satisfying drives?
Asked on 6 March 2010 by R.H., Huddersfield.
Answered by
Honest John
These small petrol turbos are also watercooled so another huge benefit in winter is that the engine coolant passes through the exhaust manifold, heating the engine and the car much more quickly. They also offer a more progressive power delivery at low revs than turbodiesels. I don't see a downside, and look forward to the two cylinder 900cc 90PS FIAT MultiAir that emits less than 100g/km.
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