Engine & Power

• 1.6i 16v Turbo
• Maximum power: 180PS (132kW) @ 5500rpm
• Max. torque: 230Nm* (169 lb.ft) @ 2200-5500rpm
• Compression ratio: 8.8:1
• Bore/stroke: 79.0mm x 81.5mm
• Air intercooler
• Sodium-filled exhaust valves
• Integrated oil / water heat exchanger
• Low-friction valvetrain

*Increased to 260Nm for 5 seconds with turbo over-boost

The development of this top-of-the-line engine aimed at, and achieved, impressive power/torque figures of 82.5kW/l and 143Nm/l. The new engine is based on the main geometries of the 1.6l Twinport and the new 1.8l D-CVCP. It was developed together with the 1.8l engine to meet the durability requirements of both. The weight-and load-optimized hollow-frame block concept achieves a weight-to-power ratio of 0.989kg/kW, placing it in the top segment of charged production engines.

Due to increased load the crankshaft, conrods, conrod bearings and the exhaust gas valve seats were reinforced. The seats are made of a high-temperature, wear-resistant cobalt-molybdenum chrome alloy. The valves themselves have a sodium-filled stem. The concept includes, in addition to port fuel injection and a fixed valve train, provisions for the use of alternate fuels in the newly developed intake manifold. A three-way exhaust after-treatment system uses a close-coupled catalytic pre-converter and an additional underfloor catalytic converter, upgradable by changing the precious metal load.

The latest generation exhaust gas turbocharger was chosen over the mechanical variety to maintain efficiency and torque in the mid-speed range. A quick step on the accelerator pedal prompts the overboost function to provide 16% more torque for a couple of seconds.

With outstanding elasticity and spontaneous response the new 1.6l Turbo spark-ignition engine sets a benchmark for performance and efficiency.

Acceleration

• 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds
• Top speed: 137mph
• Front-wheel drive
• Six-speed manual gearbox

Fuel economy - mpg (litres / 100km)

• Urban: 27.2 (10.4)
• Extra-urban: 44.8 (6.3)
• Combined: 36.2 (7.8)
• CO2 emissions: 187g / km

Suspension and brakes

• Lowered and uprated VXR sports suspension
• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) including traction control
• Front: independent Macpherson struts with coil springs and gas-pressure dampers, anti-roll bar
• Rear: Torsion tube with compound links - progressive-rate double conical mini-block springs and gas-pressure dampers
• Front ventilated disc brakes: 308mm diamete
• Rear disc brakes: 264mm diameter
• Front and rear brake calipers in blue

Wheels & tyres

• 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with 205/45 R 17 ultra-low profile tyres