Renault's Energy dCi 130 diesel and why it's so efficient [w/video]

Along with the introduction of its new Energy dCi 130 diesel engine, Renault saw fit to create a pretty snazzy video to show off some of the technology hiding in this new powerplant. The video offers the unusual opportunity to learn how much each of the features improves fuel efficiency and decreases emissions. The improvements to CO2 emissions break down like this:

• Engine downsizing: -5.5 percent
• Variable swirl: -0.5 percent
• Variable capacity oil pump: -1 percent
• Low pressure EGR: -3 percent
• Thermomanagement : -1 percent
• Stop-start: -3 percent
• Gear ratios: -3 percent
• Regenerative braking: -3 percent

While no single technology or feature has a huge effect, together they add up to 20 percent drop in CO2 emissions, which is impressive. If you are wondering what any of the specific features are or how they're implemented, the video does a good job of explaining how they work.

This new 1.6 liter engine, the first of a range of 'Energy' engines, puts out 130 hp (97 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 N·m) of torque. The engine is already available in the Scenic and Grand Scenic Renault MPVs, which now both emit less than 120 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Check out the video after the break.

[Source: Renault via Green Car Congress]