PSA Peugeot-Citroen has unveiled its next generation diesel engine - a high pressure direct injection (HDI) unit using common rail technology. The new engine is destined to be seen in Citroen Xantias and Peugeot 406s from this autumn, with PSA planning to develop a complete family of the new engines to be used across its model ranges.

The HDI unit will initially be available in 2.0- or 2.2-litre supercharged versions, equipped with two or four valves per cylinder. Within a year of launch, however, PSA will be offering 22 applications. PSA says its new unit will reduce fuel consumption by 20% - compared to conventional diesel engines - while significantly reducing harmful emissions, noise and vibration.

PSA says that compared to its non-direct injection predecessor, the HDI engine cuts emissions of the so-called greenhouse gas carbon dioxide by 20%, carbon monoxide by 40%, unburned hydrocarbons by 50% and particulates by 60%. Ozone formation potential is cut by half. Levels of nitrogen oxide remain stable, but PSA is planning to cut NOx emissions with the introduction of a deNox catalytic converter system as standard equipment from February 1999.