If a new car buyer has a negative opinion of buying diesel engine cars based on a diesel car they drove some 15 or even 10 years ago, it’s time to think again. Engineering advances in diesel engines and the high quality of diesel fuel have now blurred the line between petrol and diesel, both in performance and refinement.
A diesel engine develops maximum torque, which is the ‘shove’ you need to pick up speed quick at lower engine revs, allowing you to change up through the gears earlier. This relatively narrow power band can make manual gear-changes time consuming, but modern automatic gearboxes work very well with modern diesel engines.
Today’s diesels can be smoother than petrol engines too – especially the latest diesel technology engines against the 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines that are now becoming a popular choice for car manufacturers looking to boost fuel efficiency whilst providing good power.
Good diesels are currently around 35% efficient, petrol engines around 27%, but companies such as Mazda are closing the gap by producing petrol engines with diesel-like torque, and diesel engines with petrol-like response. New-generation petrol engines are becoming smaller, lighter and more efficient, with no loss of performance.
Specifications Mazda6 Diesel Skyactiv
Engine 4-cylinder Diesel DOHC 16 Valve
Capacity 2191cc
Transmission 6-Speed Skyactiv Drive with Manual Shift
Max Output 173bhp @ 4500rpm
Max Torque 420Nm @ 2000rpm
0-100km/h NA
Top Speed 250km/h
Price: RM203,792.30
