In their quest to make more efficient and environmentally responsible engine, Renault-Nissan is introducing a new 2.3 dCi diesel-powered engine which is much lighter on fuel than the older units and is also cleaner by 10 percent, can be tuned to develop 00 hp, 125 hp or 150 hp. Renault also says that this engine has the best running cost in class. The new powerplant will be used in the Renault Master Van at first, and in other Renault-Nissan vehicles in future.

Based on the 2.0 dCi (M9R) available on the Laguna and Espace, this engine will replace Renault’s 2.5 dCi (G9U) and four-cylinder 3.0 dCi diesel (ZD30)1. Renault is thus pursuing its downsizing strategy of reducing engine displacement – and, hence, CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption – while maintaining performance. On New Master, the 2.3 dCi engine replaces the 2.5 dCi unit on front-wheel drive models and the 3.0 dCi unit on rear-wheel drive vans. The new engine boasts reduced consumption (by 1 liter/100 km on average and by up to 2.7 liters/100 km on rear-wheel drive models) and lower CO₂ emissions (down by an average 10%), together with 30 Nm more torque and the best cost in use in its category. The new 2.3 dCi engine will help to reduce cost in use for New Master. In addition to reduced consumption, it benefits from longer servicing intervals, every two years or 40,000 km instead of every 30,000 km for the current 2.5 dCi. The new powerplant is also equipped.

with a timing chain, which means the timing belt does not have to be replaced every six years. New Master’s Total Cost of Ownership has fallen by €1,800 on average over 150,000km (or four years, whichever comes first), for a monthly saving of €37 (based on a pre-tax diesel price of €0.87/litre).