The research in the automotive sector is in full swing with new tech in development. Be it safety, features on the exterior and interior, or under the hood, everything is getting more advanced. With that, today let’s focus on the heart of a vehicle, the engine. Everyone knows a petrol engine is more powerful than its diesel counterpart. But you may ask, why is diesel more punchy? Well, that is because of a turbocharger.
This turbo is now slowly making its space in the Indian market as the companies are opting turbo petrol engine. But do these more expensive turbo petrol engines make sense? let’s find out.
Turbocharging
Before giving a verdict let’s have a look at what exactly is turbocharging. Long story short, a turbo compresses the air at a certain PSI (roughly 6-8psi) more than 1atm and forces it into the engine, this allows a small engine to behave like a big one. On average, about 50% more air is induced in the engine with a turbocharger.
For you to know, 14.7 psi is the aspiration pressure in a conventional (naturally aspirated) engine.
Before any Bharat Stage norms, the diesel engines were naturally aspirated too and surely were very polluting. Adding a turbo drastically increased the power output and decreased emissions. This is why one gets a sudden burst of power when driving a diesel vehicle enthusiastically.
Turbocharging Petrol Engine
The trend in the Indian automotive industry has slightly changed, more so after the new BS6 emission norms. Automotive companies are slapping on a turbo on a small petrol engine and the numbers on a dyno recite the whole story. For instance, a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder T-GDI motor from Hyundai produces a mind-boggling 120ps of max power and 172Nm of peak torque. Whereas a 1.5-litre 4 cylinder naturally aspirated engine from Hyundai generates 115ps of power and 144 Nm of twist. Yes! that is indeed a big difference and this is what downsizing is all about.
Advantages of Turbocharging
- Better power and torque figures
- More efficient than a conventional petrol engine.
- Controlled and reduced emissions
- Better power to weight ratio
Disadvantages of Turbo Charging
- Runs hot
- Needs more Research to integrate it into a production car
- It is costly to manufacture
- Adds more complex moving parts
- Expensive to maintain
Naturally Aspirated engine
Advantages
- Costs less to maintain and manufacture
- Improved throttle response
- Better low-end punch
Disadvantages
- Less efficient
- Higher exhaust emissions
- lower power to weight ratio
Does it make sense to go for turbo-petrol?
Without any doubt, a turbo petrol engine makes more sense over a conventional engine any day. Considering the complete package, getting turbo petrol is not only exciting but also a bit clean for the environment. Hyundai, Nissan, Renault, Tata, Mahindra, Skoda, Volkswagen, and MG all have some cars or the other offering a turbo petrol engine. Oh Boy! those engines are very powerful than their naturally aspirated counterparts. With that, opting one is totally exciting and you’ll love driving it.
Also, Read 10 Most Powerful & Potent Engines in India (In-Production)
Hit us up with any question you have in the comment section down below.
Fun Read: Kia Sonet vs Mahindra XUV300: The Wild vs the Fortress on Wheels
Will you prefer 1 liter, 3 cylinder turbocharger equipped engine for regular hill side long driving ?
Hi Abid,
Yes, a 1.0-litre 3 cylinder turbo petrol engine is a good option to buy even for driving in the mountains. But the catch is either the car has to have a manual gearbox for better control or should have an automatic transmission that is a close-range gearbox. Meaning, the car will have a better torque delivery with a little compromise on top speed. Additionally, CVT can also be a perfect bet. Hope it helps, Stay Pinned!
pls help me what is the average life of diesel turbo,
i have to replace turbo pls help shall i go for new turbo or only core replacement.
Hi Shreekant,
The life of a turbo charger depends on how you use and maintain your vehicle. Still, a turbocharger can last for about 3,00,000kms. And yes it is recommended to go for a new turbo rather than changing the internals.
Hello Utkarsh,
Your article is good. Thanks for this informative content.
Have a doubt on turbo petrol engines. Will it give less mileage at lower rpm and what minimum speed km/hr has to be maintained to get good mileage? Please suggest. Thank you.
Hi Raswar,
Well, the mileage of a turbo petrol engine depends on numerous factors. These include the way you drive, the capacity and number of cylinders in the engine and in the end the type of transmission the car uses. So, to assist you further we’d like to know which vehicle you want to know the mileage of?
Hello Utkarsh,
The vehicle is nexon petrol 1.2 L 1199cc 3cylinder. Please comment on mileage.
Im confused between 1.5 turbo petrol which i get in mg hector or 2.0 ltr which i get xuv 700 petrol. Or i should wait for harrier petrol 1.5. I do not drive at high speed more than 100kmph . Maximum city drive milage is concern . Please suggest
Hi Utkarsh,
If mileage is your top priority we’d not recommend the Mahindra XUV700 (12kmpl). Also, there isn’t a piece of sure news about Tata Harrier getting a petrol engine as of now. So, it’s better to go for the smaller 1.5-litre hybrid engine with MG Hector (14kmpl). Also, you can take a test ride of Hyundai Alcazar as it gets a potent 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine (15kmpl). Hope it helps.
I have recently bought altroz normal petrol engine car. I am very disappointed with its engine performance. It’s pick up is very poor. Please suggest that how the engine performance can be improved. Can a turbocharger be installed in it.
Hi Javed
We don’t recommend installing an aftermarket turbocharger.
Hi ,first of all thank you for sharing your expert inputs.
I am planning to buy new SUV or sedan. I am looking for long term associations with my vehicle and keeping this in view which engine I should opt for, it is 1.5 natural air or 1 turbo . I have personal bias towards natural. However, please provide your valuable feedback.
please help us with your requirements and we will suggest you a car