With diesel becoming the enemy, new 3 (or even 2) cylinder engines are available offering more power per cc and more importantly delivering maximum torque at low revs.

They use incredibly fast spinning turbochargers to achieve this, apparently twice as fast as an F1 racing car.

Are they a practical alternative and would they allow me to tow the Puck (or any Eriba) with a smaller car or would the turbos thrash themselves into a supernova?

Check out the towing limits that the manufacturers specify. They test them and don't want lots of warranty claims, so you'd expect they'd err on the safe side.

What has Mrs EM got against diesel Colin? Have you been using it as aftershave?

My 1.5 petrol Karoq tows my 420 Triton every bit as well as my pevious Superb 2.0 diesel. Fuel consumption is higher but the polar bears on the M6/M5 looked happier!

At the risk of opening a huge debate, my understanding (probably not to be relied upon) was that modern diesels have a much lower CO2 output then modern petrol engines, and hence are "better" if you are concerned about global warming. However, diesels do pollute with their particle emissions (though much less with modern ones), which may be of more concern to humans in cities than polar bears.

Correct and diesels also produce more nitrogen oxides. But this is only a temporary witch hunt as all combustion engines are doomed.

IMG_0389.JPG - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)


2013 0.9 Twinair Fiat 500...with turbo... being chased by a 1990 Puck. No trouble at all, and being retired, no desire for silly speeds !
Having said that, Max, my navigator, has barked at me to slow down on occasion.

Quote: Steve and Debbie wrote in post #8

---

Correct and diesels also produce more nitrogen oxides. But this is only a temporary witch hunt as all combustion engines are doomed.

---

Quote: mr_underhill wrote in post #9

---

2013 0.9 Twinair Fiat 500...with turbo...

---

I think Tesla may be the only electric car that is approved (homologated). You may find a hybrid.

All drives are relaxing when retired...but yes it is. Stabiliser stops any excess movement and loading properly seals the deal.There is only Max and I, he wears his coat all the time, and has very little else to carry. Mine is very light, just shirts/trousers etc. I prefer to carry enough food for the first night and breakfast, then shop the next day.Spare wheel on the floor inside, Awning in between the bench seats and all balances nicely. When getting overtaken, most are surprised to see what is towing it !!

According to HJ the Fiat 500 is generally homologated for an 800kg maximum towload.

Correct. That equates to Max's dog food and bed and my clothing. Without a second person, it is easily achieved with a 1990 Puck.