Tech Torque

While Diesel Isn’t Dead Yet, There’s A Lot To Like About Downsized Turbo-petrol Engines

- Fraser Stronach

DIESEL cars, not long ago seen as the saviour of the planet thanks to producing less greenhouse gas than equivalent petrol engines, now seem doomed. Even recent diesel-emission technology such as particulate filters (to reduce soot) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (or AdBlue as it’s commonly called, to reduce NOx) doesn’t seem sufficient to save them.

Many carmakers are already saying the next round of diesel emission regulations are “too tough”, while various European government subsidies that date back to the 1990s and kicked off the diesel technology revolution we enjoy today also look like being withdrawn. Diesel bans are also being called for in political manoeuvring by various local and national governments, especially in Europe, the ‘home’ of the passenger-car diesel.