Fiat 1.3 diesel (as used in Fiats, Opels etc)

n97 mini

Thinking of getting an Opel with one of these engines.

Anyone anything nasty to report? Do they blow turbos, or...?

Small engine, so I don't see a need for a DMF. Anyone know of DMFs go with this engine?

Also, real world economy?

jack of all

I have a Corsa with one of those Fiat Multi-jet engines, great little engine and no problems with it thus far. Fuel economy is good, I have averaged anywhere from 58 to 65 mpg, depending on the journey type and duration etc, but I have consistently got up to 64mpg on a 75km daily commute in the past. Others more mechanically minded can advise on turbos but I've always understood it was important to let the turbo spool down and allow the oil cool it by leaving the engine to idle for a couple of minutes after any high speed driving/ motorway cruising etc. I've always given the car regular oil and filter changes and use a fully synthetic oil.

n97 mini

Jeez, I just read this:

Honest John wrote:

With the 1.3CDTI (FIAT 1.25 Multijet) engine fitted with a diesel particulate filter, what can happen is that excess diesel fuel that was supposed to burn hotter and regenerate the dpf does not and instead seeps into the sump, gradually raising the level of sump oil to the point that the engine starts to run on it, cannot be stopped and therefore self-destructs.

He's talking about Astras.

Anyone know if all Astras have DPFs?

BostonB

I googled this before and didn't a straight answer. The most common answer was no.

The only Astras to receive a DPF were the 1.9 CDTi 120 (Automatic transmission only) and the 1.9 CDTi 150 (TwinTop only)...

http://www.astraownersclub.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2705192&postcount=8

In the Astra the 1.3 CDTi is very slow off turbo. When the turbo is on its fine.

kerten

In my country where we pay almost 2 euro for 1 lt petrol, this engine is so popular for its durability and fuel economy. It is sad it is going to be popular here soon.

I don't think it has dpf but driving experience of this engine is not great. It is 1248 cc in fact and when turbo is not in effect, almost no power.

There is 75 bhp and 90 bhp versions of it.

in comparison, I like psa group 1.4 tdci engine more in meaning of smooth power delivery than the fiat one.

It is enough for corsas, grande puntos, etc but for astra I wouldn't put 4 people on it and try to start on steep hill. Once I had to get out of the car as passenger to prevent driver to burn clutch in scenario above with saloon astra.

I think astra with this engine suits motorway driving well.

Reliability wise they are fine. it also uses timing chain.

BostonB

AFAIK the Astra only gets the 90 bhp version. The only problem I find is that you can get caught in the wrong gear. Stay in the power band and its fine. I find you have to go to 2nd gear very quick in it to get power. I'd consider getting a remap or tuning box if it was my daily driver. Eliminate the dead spots. I'm used to 16v engines where you need to keep the few revs up for power. People who are used to a more torquey engine might struggle to get used to it. Its handles ok, and brakes are great I find. I find the controls a little award especially the one touch indicators.

Its not a popular car though, so there's very few of them around. If I wanted something frugal I consider it. Its probably the only reason to get one.

kerten

Economy wise I achieved 4 lt/100 km in a 2005 corsa with 75 bhp version. for 50% city 50 % motorway driving 5-5.5 lt/100 km should be expected.

It is quite economical if you stay between 80-100 km/h.

My friend with astra saloon 90bhp version averages 6 lt/100 km in a big city 60% traffic 40% open roads.

n97 mini

What had me looking at this was I had a rental Clio estate 1.5 eco2 which was very economical and it had be convinced about small diesels, but I really don't like the look of the Clio (never mind the fact that it's a Renault).

I'm probably going to rule out the Fiat 1.3 engine by the sounds of it.

Other option is Civic Hybrid, which we had for a while and it slightly bettered the Clio in fuel consumption, only diesel is cheaper so they were about equal. Add in that the Clio had more top end poke and the Clio pips it. Tho while the Civic has batteries and a motor to worry about they're under an 8 year warranty, whereas with a diesel there's DMFs, turbos, DPFs and so on, all of which seem to be a case of not if but when...

Decisions decisions...

kerten

1.5 lt renault diesel is one of the most economic diesel engine for its size even in megane.

better power delivery and refinement than fiat diesel

but

High mileage ones may be risky in meaning of injectors, etc and it has a timing belt which is extra maintenance cost.