Figures From Cap Reveal Dramatic Fuel-saving Impact Of Improved Engine Technology

Analysis by CAP reveals how smaller petrol engines in particular offer more miles per gallon, stronger performance and less pollution than ever before.



Since 2003 the average engine size in a small family car has reduced by 4% while power output has risen by 12% and combined cycle fuel consumption has improved by 16%. Average CO2 output has also fallen by 18% over the period.



David Saville, who runs CAP’s New Vehicle Data department – the UK’s leading source of up-to-the-minute car information – said: “The automotive industry has made massive strides in improving the efficiency of engines and this is paying dividends for hard-pressed motorists who need more than ever to keep spiralling fuel costs in check.



“Take the example of a leading small family car, the Volkswagen Golf. Back in 2003 a Golf 1.6 litre petrol engine had a power output of 105 bhp, with a combined cycle fuel consumption of 39.8 MPG, and produced a CO2 figure of 170g/km. This vehicle would have cost £831.00 to fuel over 10,000 miles at 2003 pump prices.



“Move forward to 2011 and the latest generation Golf and we have a 1.2 litre pressure charged engine, producing 105 bhp with combined fuel consumption of 49.6 MPG and a CO2 figure of 134g/km. Fuelling this latest Golf over 10,000 miles at current prices would cost £1199.



“Without those new engine improvements the Golf would cost £1494 to fuel at today’s prices, proving how important engine downsizing and ever increasing efficiency is for the motorist’s budget.”



Another key sector for private motorists that has benefitted from engine downsizing and increased efficiency is the small MPV. One of the mainstays of this sector, the Renault Scenic, offers more evidence of the benefits of improved engine technology.



The 2003 model Renault Scenic 2.0 had a power output of 140 bhp, with CO2 of 190g/km and combined MPG of 35.3. So, using 2003 fuel prices and annual mileage of 10,000, this car would have cost £938.00 to fuel for a year.



Moving forward to 2011, Renault offer the latest Scenic with a 1.4 turbo charged engine outputting 130 bhp. This model produces 168g/km of CO2 and returns 38.7 MPG on the combined cycle. Using the latest fuel prices this vehicle would cost £1537.00 to fuel over 10,000 miles.



Today the old 2 litre Scenic would cost £1685 to fuel over the course of a year.



David Saville said: “The concept of engine downsizing is to produce the same or more power and torque from a smaller capacity engine. This is achieved by pressure charging through the use of a supercharger or a turbocharger or, in some cases, both along with reducing internal friction using better materials and lubricants. This gives improved fuel consumption and CO2 figures by making the engine work at its more fuel efficient upper load limit more of the time.



“Our illustrations, using models that have spanned the last 8 years, prove how successful car manufacturers are at making this concept a reality.”