The new EcoBlue four-cylinder diesel is set to replace the existing TDCi unit offering less emissions, better fuel economy and more torque than its predecessor.

Starting with the Transit and Transit Custom, Ford will use the new 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine in its passenger and commercial models with power outputs ranging from 100PS to 240PS (98hp to 236hp).

Designed from a clean sheet, the EcoBlue unit features many innovations, including an off-set crank, belt-in-oil and Ford’s first use of modular camshafts for a 13 per cent fuel efficiency improvement. Low-end torque is now increased by 20 per cent when compared to the old equivalent 2.2-litre TDCi engine in the Transit, making it easier to drive within city walls while Ford claims passenger car-like refinement and a reduced noise by 4 decibels at idle.

“Ford’s EcoBoost created a new standard for petrol engines – smaller, more efficient with surprising performance. That same obsession to innovate for the customer is behind our new Ford EcoBlue diesel engine range,” said Jim Farley, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe. “This new engine lifts fuel efficiency and reduces CO2 by over 10 per cent in Transit, part of Europe’s best-selling commercial vehicle line-up, lowering costs for our customers.”

The EcoBlue engine is also the company’s first application of an integrated intake with mirror-image porting for optimized engine breathing. The low-inertia turbocharger features a smaller by 10 per cent turbine made out of Inconel, an alloy used usually in rocket engines due to its high tolerance in extreme temperature environments. Together with the also smaller by 15 per cent compressor wheel , they reduce inertia and enable faster boost build-up, improving low-end torque.

“One important factor we noticed through customer feedback is a growing tendency for drivers to ‘creep’ their diesel powered vehicles by engaging the clutch while the engine is at idle – making low-down torque even more essential,” said Paul Turner, base engine technical leader, Ford of Europe.

The all-new EcoBlue diesel engine will be initially available with 103hp, 128hp and 167hp in Ford’s commercial vehicles. The brand will introduce the engine on its passenger models on a later stage, including versions producing more than 200hp and a 1.5-litre variant.

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