AS the race continues for manufacturers to introduce direct injection turbo diesel engines to the market, the arrival of the next generation of engines - using common rail technology - is already just around the corner. Mercedes-Benz will use the technology in its A-class, due to be launched in the UK during the spring of next year and PSA, which owns Peugeot and Citroen, says it should be seen in the Peugeot 406 model range during the 1998 model year.

The common rail injection assembly claims to improve efficiency and performance, while cutting down noise and emissions. PSA hopes that by skipping the first generation of direct injection and heading straight for common rail technology it will win pole position in the European volume diesel market.