Vauxhall is replacing the core of its petrol and diesel line-up in the next 12 months with three all-new engine families.

The new motors, Vauxhall claims, will lead the industry for CO2 emissions, economy, torque and refinement.

Leading the charge will be a new 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with direct injection and Start/Stop technology that will cut CO2 emissions by 13% compared with its predecessor. The four-cylinder engine will be available in various outputs and across several car lines.

Engineers achieved maximum torque of 221lb-ft from 1,700rpm, resulting in a class-leading specific output of 138lb-ft per litre. Peak power also increased to 200bhp at 4,700rpm – up 20bhp versus the current 1.6T.

“The quality, reliability and driveability of our cars is improving at an unprecedented rate,” said Duncan Aldred, Chairman and Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors. “Replacing core engine ranges with high-output, high efficiency units will enhance our cars’ appeal still further and reinforce our commitment to producing first-class products.”

Vauxhall’s first spark ignition direct injection engine, the 155bhp 2.2-litre ECOTEC, was first seen in the 2003 Signum and Vectra models, followed by the Zafira. Today, the Insignia 2.0-litre turbo continues the direct injection theme, and is currently available with 220bhp and up to 250bhp in some European markets.

This summer, the new Astra VXR will adopt a tuned version of the same engine, with a bespoke cylinder head and turbocharger, that produces 280bhp, yet produces CO2 emissions of 189g/km.

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