Top 5 BS6 Fun-to-Drive Diesel Engines

As car manufacturers prepare to comply with the upcoming BS6 emission norms, many fun-to-drive diesel engines have been facing the dreadful axe. However, some manufacturers like Hyundai and Ford have developed new engines for select models while others have decided to upgrade their existing powertrains. And we must say some of them still score very high on the fun-to-drive factor. Here’s five of them:

Hyundai 1.5-litre CRDI - Creta, Seltos, 2020 Verna:

• Power: 115PS.

• Torque: 250Nm.

Hyundai’s BS6-compliant 1.5-litre CRDI diesel engine made its debut in the Kia Seltos. This motor makes 13PS and 10Nm less when compared to the now-phased out 1.6-litre CRDI diesel engine. But, it makes up for it with its refined and free-revving nature. We couldn’t notice any lack of power when putting the Seltos through its paces. This engine is also present under the hood of the recently launched 2020 Creta and will make its way into the facelifted Verna as well. 

Ford 1.5-litre TDCI - Figo, Aspire and EcoSport:

• Power: 100PS

• Torque: 215Nm

Ford’s 1.5-litre TDCI motor recently received upgrades to meet stringent BS6 emission norms. While we are yet to test it out, the BS4 version was known for its sporty nature. Yes, it’s not as refined as Hyundai’s 1.5-litre motor. But this tried-and-tested engine can prove to be fun when you need it to be. There’s a hint of turbo lag below 1800rpm, post which it comes into its stride and pulls cleanly till 5000rpm. Read more about it in our Figo first-drive review. 

FCA 2.0-litre Multijet - Harrier 2020, Compass:

• Power: 170PS.

• Torque: 350Nm.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) recently updated its 2.0-litre Multijet engine to meet stringent BS6 emissions standards. It utilises the advanced AdBlue system to treat emissions. Has it toned down its performance? Not really. It still puts out 170 horses, now delivered in a more linear fashion unlike the older motor, which pushed you back into your seat the second you pushed the A-pedal. Then there’s the refinement, which has made a drastic improvement. Check out how it performs in our detailed Harrier 2020 review. 

Ford 2.0-litre EcoBlue - Endeavour: 

• Power: 170PS.

• Torque: 420Nm.

Enthusiasts were quite disappointed when the Endeavour BS6 received a smaller 2.0-litre diesel engine. It also made less power when compared to the 3.2-litre unit as seen in the table below:

Has the smaller 2.0-litre engine taken the sheen away from the Endy? Not at all. The new diesel engine offers far better drivability in the town when compared to the older Endy. Out on the open road, the BS6 Endy is quite potent thanks to the new 10-speed automatic transmission. And how does it fare off-road? Find out here. 

BMW 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo - X1:

• Power: 190PS.

• Torque: 400Nm.

BMW’s facelifted X1 comes with an upgraded 2.0-litre diesel engine that sends its force to the front wheels unlike the earlier model, which came with all-wheel drive. This motor is responsive to the slightest flex of your right foot and loves to be wound hard till a very un-diesel like 5500rpm. Try launching from a red light and you’ll find yourself struggling for grip with the traction control light furiously blinking even in second gear. Read more about it right here in our detailed first-drive review. 

These are the five new BS6-compliant diesel engines which score high on the fun-to-drive factor. Have you driven any of these cars equipped with the powertrains mentioned above? If so, please let us know what you think of them in the comments section below.