Citroën introduces first members of new 3-cylinder gasoline engine family

Citroën is introducing the first members of its new PureTech family of three-cylinder gasoline engines on the C3, DS3 and C-Elysée (for international markets) ranges. The PureTech engines offer equivalent or better power compared with the previous generation powerplants, combined with significantly lower fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, down by roughly 25%.

Citroën developed two different capacity versions: 1.0-liter and 1.2 liter with power ranging from 68 hp to 82 hp (50 to 60 kW). Depending on the model and the tires fitted, combined cycle fuel consumption for the new family is between 4.3 and 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 to 54.7 mpg US) and CO2 emissions range from 99 to 107 g/km.

The design brief for the new-generation PureTech engines called for a clean break in powertrain development. The objective was to make substantial cuts in emissions and fuel consumption, and also to reduce the weight of the engines and to make them more compact. The specifications also stipulated a specific power of 50 kW per liter.

Some 52 patents were filed in the development of the new engine family, 23 concerning engine architecture, 20 engine control and 9 special manufacturing processes and tools.

The VTi 82 engine, applied in the C3 and DS3, has a capacity of 1,199cc. Maximum power of 60 kW comes at 5,750 rpm for a 6 kW increase on the 1.4 liter unit it replaces. Top speed is up 7 mph (11 km/h), and fuel economy is also improved by up to 1.5 l/100km—25% compared to the previous generation engine—to 4.5 l/100km (52.3 mpg US). CO2 emissions are up to 35g/km lower at 104 g/km.

The VTi 68 engine, which will be available in the C3 range next year, has a capacity of 999cc. Maximum power of 50 kW at 6,000 rpm is up by 6 kW compared to the 1.1 liter engine it will replace. Progress has been made across the board, with the top speed increasing by 5 mph (8 km/h). Combined-cycle fuel consumption is down 1.6 l/100km to 4.3 l/100km (54.7 mpg US), while CO2 emissions are a full 38 g/km lower at 99 g/km.

The PureTech engine family features a timing system with two overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, controlled directly by two mechanical push rods for enhanced fill-up and efficiency. Continuous variable hydraulic timing for the intake and exhaust camshafts enable better performance at low and medium engine speeds and optimized fuel consumption.

On the VTi 82 version, a counter-rotating balancer shaft provides reduced vibration and quieter operation.

Electronic management optimizes battery charge, with freewheel alternator operation used to a maximum when it requires no energy expenditure.

The new engine family is produced at the Trémery site in France.