Diesel's not dead: Ford launches new 237bhp engine

Ford has pulled the covers off its new 2.0-litre diesel EcoBlue engine, promising better economy and reduced emissions as it replaces the outgoing 2.2-litre Duratorq power unit.

Building on the success of Ford's petrol EcoBoost range, the EcoBlue is said to be 13 per cent more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces, while offering 20 per cent more torque as low as 1,250rpm.

Arriving at a time when emissions are a hot topic, Ford is confident that it will be able to meet the Euro 6 emissions standards coming into force in September. The measures require a 55 per cent reduction in NOx gases coming out of the tailpipe compared to today’s Euro 5 benchmark.

The new EcoBlue engine promises to quieter when running at idle, and will come in six states of tune, the most potent offering 197bhp and 237bhp. That could make it a perfect fit for a Focus ST, then, for which the diesel-powered version is currently a bit of a weak link in an otherwise great car.

Some clever development – including things like precision injection and Ford’s first-time use of modular camshafts – has helped it squeeze every last drop of performance out of the unit.

But will it be enough to convince buyers to ditch petrol in their hot hatch?