Category: Diesel

Dec 18

Top 10 Cars of the Year: Navigating Through Petrol, Diesel, and Electric Options

As we reflect on the best new cars of the past year, it’s evident that the automotive landscape is shifting. While the push towards electric vehicles is strong, there’s still a diverse selection of exceptional petrol and diesel cars. This list showcases the top 10 vehicles currently available, combining innovation, style, and performance to meet various driving needs.

1. Renault Austral

The Renault Austral stands out with its unique hybrid system, blending elements from traditional and range-extender hybrids. Although it may seem pricey and occasionally noisy, it offers a stylish design, an impressive interior, and commendable fuel efficiency. Its blend of features makes it a distinctive choice, despite some minor flaws.

Pros: Stylish design, efficient, well-equipped
Cons: Expensive, hybrid system can be noisy
Overall: A compelling option with a few quirks

2. Ford Tourneo

The Ford Tourneo, essentially a Transit with seats, offers a spacious interior and a high-tech platform. With room for up to nine people and versatile seating arrangements, it’s perfect for large families or groups. While it comes at a premium price, its practicality and driving comfort are notable.

Pros: Ample space, high-tech features, versatile seating
Cons: Higher cost
Overall: Ideal for those needing extensive space and comfort

3. Skoda Fabia

The Skoda Fabia has elevated itself above the VW Golf, offering a more refined cabin and a surprisingly spacious boot. Although it’s priced similarly to a Golf, the Fabia delivers excellent value with its improved features and layout. The only drawback is its somewhat cramped rear seating.

Pros: Excellent value, spacious boot, refined cabin
Cons: Tight rear seat space
Overall: A better option compared to the Golf for many

4. Opel Astra

The Opel Astra is a solid hatchback with a stylish design and engaging drive. The 1.2 petrol engine is efficient and enjoyable, while the upcoming all-electric version promises an impressive range. The estate variant remains the top choice due to its practical boot space and sleek appearance.

Pros: Attractive design, fun to drive, efficient engine
Cons: Some cabin quality issues, PHEV is less practical
Overall: Great as a petrol model now, with electric options on the horizon

5. Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 competes with the Tesla Model 3 but falls short on long-range efficiency. The new rear-wheel drive version, arriving next year, promises improved range and performance. Currently, the Performance model offers an exhilarating drive, though it does suffer from range limitations.

Pros: Stylish design, enjoyable to drive, high-quality build
Cons: Limited range, current efficiency issues
Overall: Worth waiting for the updated rear-wheel drive version

6. Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage stands out with its distinctive design and broad engine options, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It offers a good balance of roominess and style, although its hybrid version may be less efficient on the highway. Its appeal lies in its combination of quality and uniqueness compared to its sibling, the Hyundai Tucson.

Pros: Stylish, spacious, high-quality interior
Cons: Hybrid can be thirsty, SUV might be unnecessary for some
Overall: A stylish alternative to the Tucson with minor trade-offs

7. Toyota Yaris Cross

The Toyota Yaris Cross offers a practical size with better rear seat space than the standard Yaris. Its 1.5 hybrid engine delivers decent performance and excellent fuel economy. Though not the quickest, it provides a compact, efficient option for those needing more space than a typical small car.

Pros: Compact yet spacious, excellent fuel economy
Cons: Basic interior, not very fast
Overall: A top choice among small crossovers for its efficiency and practicality

8. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s Mustang Mach-E competes well against the Tesla Model Y with its impressive range and driving dynamics. While it’s more fun to drive and better built, its high price may be a drawback. Future affordable versions with lower costs are anticipated.

Pros: Enjoyable to drive, well-built, attractive design
Cons: Expensive
Overall: An appealing option if price is not a primary concern

9. Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y is popular for its long range and access to the Supercharger network. It offers practical features and a solid driving experience, though it suffers from some quality issues and a less comfortable ride. Despite its flaws, it remains a top choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

Pros: Excellent range, spacious, advanced tech
Cons: Ride quality, inconsistent build quality
Overall: A leading EV choice with some room for improvement

10. VW ID. Buzz

The VW ID. Buzz brings a nostalgic design to the electric MPV market. Its retro styling and practical interior make it a charming alternative to typical SUVs. However, its high price and limited range might deter some buyers.

Pros: Unique design, spacious, comfortable
Cons: High cost, limited range
Overall: A nostalgic and practical choice if budget allows

Nov 21

NHTSA Investigation: Nissan Titan Diesel Trucks Break Crankshafts

Over the years, there has been plenty of speculation as to why Nissan does not offer a diesel engine option in its full-size Titan pickup. It did, but Nissan killed it in 2019. We know that owners have been complaining loudly about broken crankshafts in the Cummins 5.0-liter diesel V8. Finally, as complaints continue piling up, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is opening up an investigation into the matter.

Nissan began offering the diesel V8 in 2016 before its untimely demise in 2019. And beginning in 2016, complaints about broken crankshafts began appearing on forums. Finally, the NHTSA is starting a preliminary investigation into the cause and breadth of the problem.

What do Nissan Titan diesel owners say happens?

Here’s how one owner describes the event in a letter to the NHTSA, “Was driving down the interstate going 70 mph. The truck started losing power without any warning or check engine lights. The truck started vibrating violently to the point almost lost control of the truck. The dealer says it broke the crankshaft in the motor. The truck only has 77k miles on it. This should be looked into as it’s happening a lot with models with the Cummings diesel motor. Please look into this before someone is killed.”

It is not clear what outcome the NHTSA’s findings will have for owners. If it is found that there is an inherent problem with the Titan diesel engines, it could mean monetary compensation for inconvenience and outside expenses owners might incur. But the broken crankshaft problem would have been under warranty. So, there should not have been any expenses directly related to parts and labor.

From 2016 to 2019, Nissan sold 38,000 Titan trucks with the diesel option. So, the NHTSA could also issue a recall to protect future owners from having the same issue. There have been several other issues over the years, including DEF pump failure, EGR valve failure, turbocharger failure, and more, according to DieselIQ.

What engines come with the 2024 Nissan Titan?

It also goes without saying that a crankshaft breaking is a catastrophic event. Besides the crank itself, there is usually damage to the engine block, connecting rods, and potentially the valves and pistons. That, in turn, can bend rocker shafts, which can also damage the camshaft and rockers. So essentially, most of the internal components including the block see damage beyond repair.

Since 2020, the Titan has only come with one engine, Nissan’s 5.6-liter Endurance V8 gas engine. The V8 produces 400 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. It spins a nine-speed automatic transmission. In 2019, the Titan got a refresh with some options going away.

2024 will be the final year of the full-size Titan pickup. Nissan has always seen success with its midsize Frontier pickup truck and never really saw big numbers with the Titan. Over the years, Nissan has cut back on options like the single- and extra-cab bodies, as well as different bed lengths available.

The post NHTSA Investigation: Nissan Titan Diesel Trucks Break Crankshafts appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

Jul 20

Which Pickup Truck Is the Most Efficient for Towing: Gas, Diesel, or Hybrid?

When choosing a pickup truck for towing, fuel efficiency is a crucial factor. While the EPA provides fuel mileage ratings for city and highway driving, many buyers are keen to know how these ratings hold up under the strain of towing. This article compares the towing efficiency of various powertrains—gas V8, turbocharged V6, turbodiesel, and hybrid—across some of the toughest driving conditions.

Comparing Towing Efficiency: Turbocharged V6 vs. V8

In the world of towing, both the turbocharged V6 and the V8 offer competitive fuel efficiency. For instance, the Ford F-150 models equipped with these engines perform similarly in terms of towing capability, but the V8 has a slight edge in maintaining better fuel mileage during heavy loads. During a rigorous test over Colorado’s “Ike’s Gauntlet,” the V8 managed to sustain 4.0 mpg, compared to the V6’s 3.5 mpg, demonstrating its superior efficiency when it comes to handling steep inclines and maintaining control.

Evaluating the PowerBoost Hybrid and Diesel Options

Ford’s PowerBoost Hybrid combines a turbocharged V6 with an electric motor, offering robust torque and towing power. While it delivered 3.8 mpg while towing a 10,000-pound trailer up a challenging mountain pass, its regenerative braking system helped improve overall efficiency on the descent. On the other hand, the GMC Sierra 1500 with the Duramax diesel engine stood out with an impressive 5.9 mpg while towing a 7,000-pound load, showcasing its efficiency and endurance in demanding conditions.

The comparison reveals that while diesel engines excel in towing efficiency, hybrids offer a balanced performance with added benefits like regenerative braking. Each powertrain has its strengths, and the choice depends on specific towing needs and personal preferences.