The days of engine downsizing is over, according to Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess in a report by The Telegraph.
He was quoted saying that during the launch of the updated Volkswagen Golf. “The trend of downsizing is over. Emissions tend to go up as engines get smaller.”
This was referring to the fact that small capacity engines could potentially perform under expectations in the upcoming real world Driving Emissions Tests (RDE), which is slated to be initiated in 2019 in Europe. The move is part of the Worldwide Harmonized Light-duty Vehicles Testing Procedure (WLTP).
Diess further added that Volkswagen will continue using its small three-cylinder 1.0-litre engine, but that will be its smallest engine. For diesels, Volkswagen won’t be developing engines that are less than 1.6-litres. “Small diesels are just not economic. The Polo is currently 30 per cent diesel, but as diesel gets more expensive, it will not be as popular,” he added.
Additionally, what Diess says is the same as a report from Reuters, which mentioned that updated emissions tests exposed issues with downsized engines, whereby these engines have a habit of overheating in order to achieve real-world driving performance. Manufacturers will program the ECU to over-fuel the engine in an effort to counter this, which consequently results with a higher CO2, carbon monoxide and hybrocarbon emissions.
Via: The Telegraph
