Two-liter diesels tend to be an ideal compromise in terms of performance, reliability and fuel economy. We give you tips on where to find the really good parts in the used cars available.
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Two liters of volume, a turbocharger and diesel as fuel have for many years been an almost ideal compromise in terms of performance, fuel consumption and overall running costs. And since it was almost always a four-cylinder, it was possible to rely on proven dimensions of the combustion chamber about half a liter per cylinder with square or slightly over-squared characteristic, ensuring favorable performance and torque curve. In short, an ideal and universal drive unit for many types of cars.
Two liters as an (almost) ideal volume
Its still compact dimensions allowed it to be installed in sedans (VW Golf 1.9 / 2.0 TDI or Peugeot 307 2.0 HDI), on the other hand they could “two liters” (especially considering the solid performance parameters) smoothly fulfills the role of main engine for mid-range cars, with light power doping also for upper-middle class cars (Superb 2.0 TDI or Peugeot 607 2.2 HDi). For manufacturers this meant significant cost savings and for motorists also in terms of fuel consumption.
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After all, it is enough to look at recent history to see how many “two liters” were in the production schedules of many car manufacturers. Until the European Union and its downsizing program “turned on” them, leading to a reduction in volumes and “shortening” the number of cylinders, often in favor of a technically lower three-cylinder variant. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t (at least for a limited time) gift ourselves the proven “two liters” in thrift stores and continue to enjoy the properties. Here is an overview of the best.
Fiat 2.0 JTD
Or Fiat and Magnetti Marelli as one of the pioneers of modern direct injection diesels. A somewhat forgotten fact today, however, Fiat was a true pioneer with its 1.9 JTD engine when the VW company’s legendary 1.9 TDI had just been created. The evolution of the 2.0 JTD arrives for the first time in 2008 with the third generation of Lancia Delta with a power spectrum from 99 to 143 kW. You can find it under the hood of both Italian cars and, for example, Opel (including the 143 kW bi-turbo version) or Saab 9-5. An interesting feature is Opel’s ecoFLEX version with 88kW and CO2 emissions of 99g / km. In 2013. Will the European Union still claim that diesel did not and does not have the potential to reduce emissions?
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PSA 2.0 HDi
We will stay on the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most successful two-liter diesel “incarnations” has the simple name 2.0 HDi and is found under the hood of the Citroen C8, C5, Xantia or the even smaller Xsary as well as entire ranges of Peugeot or Ford (from Focus to Mondeo, C-Max, S-Max and Galaxy). Swedish Volvo has also come to appreciate this engine, available in both the compact C30 and the larger S40 or V50. The popular engine produced by Fiat with eight and sixteen valve heads is often available with 66 or 80 kW.
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Renault 2.0 dCi
From Middle Earth to the third. After the failures of its 1.9 dCi engine, which contributed greatly to the “reputation damage” of its Laguna, Renault decided on a radical overhaul and built the new 2.0 dCi from scratch on a new basis. Always a sixteen valve head, just like a six-speed gearbox perfectly adapted to the characteristics of the engine and a variable geometry turbocharger (also liquid-cooled in the most performing versions) they define a unit that has nothing to do with the unreliability of its predecessor. On the contrary. Available in Renault / Nissan models in power versions from 96 to 132 kW, in addition with a relatively easily regenerable particulate filter.
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Hyundai / KIA 2.0 CRDi
The four-cylinder 2.0 CRDi was developed with the help of experts from the Italian company VM Motori and produced between 2001 and 2010. Sixteen valve cylinder head, with fixed turbocharger geometry in the lower versions and variable geometry in the upper ones it offered a power spectrum from 84 to 103 kW and is found under the hoods of cars of both brands, produced in the specified time period. It was the first really serious attempt by both Korean companies to break into the “diesel realm” of European brands, and let’s just say it was quite successful. Moreover, in addition to the aforementioned VM Motori, BOSCH also participated in the development of the injection.
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VW 2.0 TDI
After the hugely successful and now iconic 1.9 TDI, the larger version lost a “deciliter” and it seemed like nothing could prevent another “super hit” and a bright tomorrow, filled with satisfied users and overflowing corporate speakers. But it wouldn’t be VW’s concern if it didn’t change a little about such a clearly predictable premise. Put simply: as in practice we only praised the engines mentioned above, in the case of the 2.0 TDI we only recommend engines from the year of production 2008, even better than 2012, when most of the shortcomings have already been eliminated. Units prior to this date of birth were more frequent service visitors than their owners would have liked. Available in the infamous 103 to 125 kW versions.
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BMW 2.0d
Even those in Munich did not avoid structural missteps. And as if they really saw themselves in the Wolfsburg rival, here too it is true that older is better. M47 coded engine, produced since 2001 with power 100/110 kW is probably the unit we recommend without hesitation, was available both in the classic E46 “troika”, and in the smaller 1 series. The N47 version produced since 2007, on the other hand, tends to be a service trap, capable of making its owner fail. As you can see, the master carpenter is also cut. Also, in the case of BMW and its diesel engines, it was far from the last time.
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Buying advice where every advice is precious
What to add in conclusion? Buying any diesel engine, even the most recommended and praised, is not without risk if it is a used and purchased engine without warranty. Modern and complex technologies, used in current engines can really contribute significantly to large performance parameters accompanied by low consumption, but their maintenance tends to be very demanding from a financial point of view. What is “lost” in the running costs of a new car costing three quarters of a million and more can exceed the purchase price of a ten-year car.
Therefore, we always recommend to prefer cars with a clear and verifiable historical service, because it is very important for modern “diesels”. Because, as often happens, very serious defects often occur only years later with other owners of the car, but they have already bought it for a fraction of its original price and whose service budget doesn’t actually include tens of thousands (or even more) amounts. I wanted to at least provide you with a guide to car buying that there is a good chance that their operation will not ruin you financially. Good luck for your research and subsequent purchase!
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