Fiat has introduced a new 1.6-litre ‘Multijet’ diesel engine, initially for the Bravo, making the European C-segment car first in its class to be fitted with a Euro 5-compliant engine, well ahead of the 2009 deadline.
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This new Bravo 1.6 MultiJet is also available with a special eco-package in 105bhp form. In addition to revised engine ECU settings, this pack employs special measures to optimise aerodynamics, and incorporates low rolling resistance tyres and ‘taller’ gear ratios to return outstanding fuel consumption and CO2 figures: 62.7 mpg on the EU combined cycle (an increase of about 5mpg on the standard 105bhp engine) and CO2 emissions of just 119g/km.
This will assist Fiat Group’s pledge to be the leading manufacturer in terms of weighted average CO2 levels.
Last year, CEO Sergio Marchionne said: “Regardless of what other car makers will do, our group is committed, by 2012, to reaching the lowest weighted average CO2 emission level for the cars it produces, with respect to competitors.”
Fiat is currently among the top performers in Europe for lowest average CO2 emissions, posting 144 g/km, according to figures published by the European Federation for Transport and Environment (EFTE).
The new 1.6 MultiJet is an I4 with 16 valves. Two versions are made: one developing 105bhp at 4,000 rpm and torque of 290Nm (214lb ft) at 1,500 rpm; the other developing 120 bhp at 4,000 rpm and torque of 300Nm (221lb ft) at 1,500 rpm. Both come with a manual six-speed gearbox.
These engines are boosted by either electronically-controlled fixed-geometry (105 bhp version) or variable-geometry (120 bhp version) turbochargers, to enhance power output while providing very high torque even at low revs. Compared with the current Fiat 1.9 MultiJet 120bhp unit (developed with General Motors Europe in a now dissolved partnership), the 1.6 series is an important step forward – with the same power, torque is improved by almost 25% at 1,500 rpm, and fuel consumption is reduced by 8%.
Another factor improving all-round performance is the high pressure multi-injection system, which goes from 1,300 bar in the 1.9 MultiJet to 1,600 bar in the 1.6 (both versions). The injectors adapt to engine speed, thus optimising performance in terms of perceived power and driveability, Fiat said.
