Read this today and although initially mooted for the 1.6 diesel it is very interesting that Fiat consider that their diesel engine, when equipped with MultiAir technology, would meet euro 6 compliance without the need to fit a diesel particulate filter.

grimwau said:

Read this today and although initially mooted for the 1.6 diesel it is very interesting that Fiat consider that their diesel engine, when equipped with MultiAir technology, would meet euro 6 compliance without the need to fit a diesel particulate filter.

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The MultiAir technology does look pretty good - it seems all positives and no negatives .. besides the MiTo space-invaders-esque advert was work the millions invested in the technology alone

grimwau said:

Read this today and although initially mooted for the 1.6 diesel it is very interesting that Fiat consider that their diesel engine, when equipped with MultiAir technology, would meet euro 6 compliance without the need to fit a diesel particulate filter.

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Euro 6? Are they using SCR (Adblue) to achieve this? Or just some seriously funky engine work?

Although that article did hint that the technology is aimed at reducing emissions, NOT improving fuel efficiency...There needs to be a balance!! After all, lower fuel use (in theory) means better lower emissions, right?

This should prove interesting to the truck world (I reckon Iveco will launch a funky looking new truck when they adapt it for their commercial engines - like they did with the Stralis lol). If Iveco don't develop it, I reckon MAN will do lol.

what are the problems caused by diesel particulate filter?

The point is that Multiair won't increase Diesel economy by much, because there isn't any pumping loss from Diesels. Fiat has always said it will use Multiar on the Diesels though, to abolish DPFs, and lower the NOx emissions, hence complying with Euro6.

I guess it will add cost to the already expensive Diesel engines though, and now the petrols are catching up in the economy stakes the jury is seemingly out.

Since Fiat said two years ago that they would apply Multiar to Diesels though I expect they will. I hope so, because this would make them more reliable, lower taxed, and cleaner.

what are the problems caused by diesel particulate filter?

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They can clog up if regeneration is halted because of too many short journeys where the engine doesn't reach proper operating temperature. This can drop the engine into limp mode and need a dealer repair. When the engines are used for regular longish journeys there should be no problem.

Ulpian said:

I guess it will add cost to the already expensive Diesel engines though, and now the petrols are catching up in the economy stakes the jury is seemingly out.

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But this could be partially/fully offset by eliminating the cost of the DPF.

That's the theory.

I just wish they would get on with it. New engines are coming quickly this year, and I hope by the end of it all the specs will be settled - for a while at least.

Ulpian said:

That's the theory.

I just wish they would get on with it. New engines are coming quickly this year, and I hope by the end of it all the specs will be settled - for a while at least.

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Me too. I'm looking to change sooner rather than later and although I was loking to get the 105BHP TwinAir I think that the 85BHP one will probably be the only one available in the short term.

It doesn't look like the new auto gearboxes will be announced this year either but fingers crossed.

Yep, the 85 should be nippy in the 500 though. The 105 would be faster still, and probably no less economical.

The 95 Diesel has 200lb/f of torque though, whereas the 85 has 'only' 150, but still low down. The reports I have seen say it is a great drive.

But, the Diesel without the DPF, and with lower emissions, would be a great thing to have - not yet alas

From what I understand the Multijet2 engine has the ability to regenerate the DPF on tickover, which should solve most of the issues.

elation said:

From what I understand the Multijet2 engine has the ability to regenerate the DPF on tickover, which should solve most of the issues.

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The 75BHP MJT is also able to regenerate the DPF on tickover, the problem is that there is no indication that it is happening (apart from the raised tickover speed to 1000RPM) so people are unaware that it is taking place.

Because of this they switch off the engine when they reach where they are going whilst in the middle of a regeneration cycle and once this happens a few times then the clogged filter light will come on to ensure that you take the necessary steps to clean it by driving the car at the right speeds to clear it out.

Only seen a warning on mine once in 20,000 miles - and that was cleared by the daily drive the next day. TBH if driving short hops all the time a petrol would be better anyway. But, the old 1.3 is rather agricultural compared to what's coming out of other brands, so hopefully the newer engines will be a step forward there.