THE first direct injection diesel engine from a French car manufacturer makes its debut under the bonnet of the Renault Megane from February 1. The new 1.9-litre direct injection turbodiesel engine, the F9Qt, promises improved economy and more power, lower running costs and emission reductions at no extra cost over the outgoing indirect injection engine.

Renault claims a 17% improvement in fuel economy in the Megane with a combined fuel consumption figure of 54.3mpg compared to 44.8mpg with the previous turbodiesel. Producing 100bhp - a 5bhp improvement on the old engine - the new power unit with its flat torque curve offers 200Nm at 2000rpm thereby producing more power throughout the rev range. The new dTi engine initially appears in Megane hatchback, Classic and Scenic and costs the same as previous turbodiesels.