Dura talk

I’m replacing a 2001/51 Mondeo Estate, 115bhp diesel engine, with a new Ford Focus ECOnetic with a 1.8 or 2.0 litre TDCi Duratorq diesel engine as shown below. The 1.8 is 139 g/km (5-door)/142 g/km (estate), 53.3 mpg (5 door) / 52.3mpg (estate). The 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq diesel (115 PS) – ECOnetic 6-speed transmission (5-door and Estate), CO2 emissions: 139 g/km, 54.3 mpg. I shall be towing a caravan. My existing diesel engine pulls my caravan okay, but am trying to find out if these new Eco engines are as good as the existing diesel engine – or better. I cannot find any data on the Ford web site that allows me to compare my existing engine with the new ones.

Asked on 10 October 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

Forget the 1.8. It's based on the Ford Fiesta 1.6 diesel that came out in 1983 and is a horrible old engine, lacking low sped torque prone to stalling and relatively high in emissions. The 2.0 is a much more modern engine used in millions of Ford, PSA vehicles and Volvos. Its problems for towing are it doesn't develop maximum torque until 2,000rpm. And at 35mph/1,000rpm, 6th is too high for towing against the torque characteristics of the engine. You'd be better off with a SEAT Exeo 2.0 TDI CR 143. Piezo metering allows it to trickle safely down to fairly low RPM. And if you need an estate one is coming soon. Both cars tested at www.honestjohn.co.uk

Tags: buying diesels used cars engine

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

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