Small and efficient diesel engines have turned out to be a very good replacement for hybrid systems because in real life they can be, if not better, equally clean and economical. You have already learned about the VW’s BlueMotion technology which is offered in the Golf,Polo and Passat here, now check out the new Opel Corsa ecoFLEX, GM’s answer to VW which is awesomely clean!

2010 Opel Corsa ecoFLEX is powered by a 1.3 liter CDTI diesel engine boosted by a turbo with a variable geometry.It generates 70 kW/95 hp and 190 Nm of torque, and has an average fuel consumption of 3.7 liter per 100 KM while releasing 98 g/km CO2 as a three-door and 99 g/km as a five-door. Pretty good, they are now equal with the Golf BM, but still behind the Polo BM with 87 g/km!

Many factors are considered in the Corsa ecoFLEX to make it so efficient. The turbo unit in its engine has variable turbine geometry, which significantly improves the engine’s performance. To support the higher turbo pressure, engineers slightly reduced the compression ratio from 18 to 16.8: 1.They’ve also optimized the calibration on the engine and greatly increased low-end torque and the peak power, and adjusted the gear ratio. Aerodynamics has also played its part, the car is lower by 20mm than the other models and it’s fitted with special 175/70 tires that are roll-resistance-optimized and fitted to lighter, flow formed , 14″ steel wheels (15″ optional) which has newly designed, more efficient wheel caps.

The only downside of this engine is indeed the performance: it took the Corsa ecoFLEX 12.3 seconds to hit the 100 from nought and it only has a top speed of 177 km/h, but that does not matter really becasue this car is made to be economical not quick!