Ford Has Announced A Brand New Bi-Turbo 234bhp Diesel For Europe

Talk about timing. Just as the anti-diesel movement is gathering enough momentum to significantly affect sales, Ford releases a new flagship diesel engine

In the wake of the news that Porsche has canned all of its diesel models, effective immediately, Ford has this morning announced… a brand new high-power flagship diesel.

The 234bhp, 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel, called EcoBlue, is built to maximise low-end torque, refinement and fuel efficiency, says Ford. It will make its debut in the Edge SUV, linked to a specially-calibrated eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Working in series, a small, high-pressure turbo and a larger, low-pressure turbo share the work when picking up low down the rev range. At higher engine speeds the small turbo leaves the heavy lifting to the larger one.

New low-friction architecture is one of a number of innovations that help the high-power oil-burner to meet Euro VI emissions regulations, but there will also be 187bhp and 148bhp options – though we understand these might use a single-turbo setup.

We don’t have performance figures for the Edge with the 234bhp engine, but it should be pretty brisk for everyday use. This ST-Line version might not be as comfy as you’d like, though; it rides on new 20-inch wheels.

The revised car, complete with the new engine, goes on sale in Europe later this year. Prices are to be confirmed.