EXPLORING THE BEST OF CAR ENGINES IN INDIA

Understanding the Literal Role of Car Engines

What do you see when you open the hood of your car and curiously check what’s inside? You see an engine with many wires, tubes, and metal; perhaps something new to you. Also, when you were buying a new car, you must have heard of terms such as "2.5-litre incline four" "turbocharged" and "start/stop technology." What does all of that mean?

The role of a gasoline car engine is to convert gasoline into motion so that your car can be in motion. Presently, the easiest way to create motion from gasoline is to burn the gasoline inside an engine. Hence, a car engine is an internal combustion engine, meaning, the combustion takes place internally.

The Internal and External Combustion Engines

There are different types of internal combustion engines – diesel engines and gas turbine engines. Each has its pros and cons.

Then comes the external combustion engine. The best example of an external combustion engine is the steam engine in old-fashioned trains and steamboats. In a steam engine, the fuel (coal, wood, or oil) burns outside the engine to create steam. The steam in return creates motion inside the engine. Internal combustion works the other way around and is a lot more efficient than external combustion engines. Plus, an internal combustion engine is a lot smaller than the former.

Factors Influencing the Performance of the Engine

Of the many elements you keep in mind while purchasing a car, the performance of its engine is one of the essential factors. There are several factors influencing the performance of the engine of the car as well. These factors play a vital role in determining the overall performance, environmental impact, and running costs of the car.

Whether it is power and performance you are looking for or if it is an eco-friendly option, understanding the factors that can aid you in making an informed decision when buying a car is important. Finding the perfect engine for your driving needs is as good as finding the perfect car for all your needs.

Power Output

The power output of an engine measures its capacity to do work and is usually measured in horsepower (bhp) or kilowatts (kW).

Displacement

Engine displacement is defined as the total volume inside an engine’s cylinders, where the fuel and air mix. A higher or better displacement ideally leads to more torque and power, providing better performance.

Fuel Efficiency

The rising fuel prices in India make fuel efficiency a crucial consideration when purchasing a car. A fuel-efficient engine consumes less fuel per distance travelled, reducing the overall running costs and keeping it light on the pocket.

Torque

The rotational force generated by an engine, enabling the vehicle to move forward and handle heavy loads is called torque. An engine with higher torque delivers better pulling capability, hence enhancing the performance of the car.

Emissions

With staggering environmental challenges, engines with lower emissions are preferred by many today. You will be able to contribute to the environment by choosing a car or engine with reduced emissions leading to cleaner air to breathe and a smaller carbon footprint left behind, promoting a greener environment for yourself and the future.

Different Types of Car Engines in India

In the panorama of car engines, the Indian car market offers a range of options that cater to various needs, budgets, and preferences. Each engine type has its unique characteristics, making it suitable for specific driving conditions.

From the tried-and-tested petrol and diesel engines to the innovative electric and hybrid options, each engine type brings its exquisite pros to the table. Whether it’s efficiency, power, or eco-friendliness you are looking for, India’s car engine market has something to offer each one of you.

Let’s look into the different types of car engines available in the Indian car market!

Petrol Engine

Widely used for decades, petrol engines are known for their quiet and smooth operation, providing a comfortable driving experience. They give quality power delivery, making them ideal for urban driving and short travels. Petrol engines are usually more affordable than diesel engines.

Diesel Engine

First introduced in the late 19th century, diesel engines are popular for their efficiency in heavy-duty and commercial vehicles. They are known for their robustness and high torque output, providing strong pulling power. They are known to offer better fuel efficiency compared to petrol engines, making them a preferred option for those with extensive daily driving or long highway travels.

Turbocharged Engine

Turbocharging technology was invented and introduced in the early 20th century to enhance engine performance and power. They use a turbocharger to compress air entering the cylinders, resulting in enhanced power output without increasing the size of the engine. These engines offer a perfect balance of efficiency and prowess, providing charged performance compared to naturally aspirated engines.

Naturally Aspirated Engine

Naturally, aspirated engines rely on atmospheric pressure for air intake, making their design more straightforward. They have been used since the invention of the internal combustion engine. Despite them not providing the same power output as turbocharged engines, naturally aspirated engines are more fuel-efficient, making them suitable for everyday travelling.

Electric Motors

Electric vehicles (EVs) were discovered in the early 20th century. However, recent progress in invention made them more accessible and practical, and you can see more of them being used by common people. EVs use electric motors which run solely on electric power, producing zero emissions, and contributing to the wellness of the environment. They are also known to operate quietly, reducing noise pollution.

Electric vehicles have fetched significant traction in India due to their eco-friendliness, making them a promising solution for reducing pollution, especially in crowded states and cities.

Hybrid Engine

Emerged in the late 20th century as a way to combine the benefits of internal combustion engines and electric motors, the hybrid engine integrates an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, allowing seamless switching between power sources while driving.

Hybrid cars offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, making them a viable option for eco-conscious users.

The Revolution of Car Engines

The Indian car engine industry has witnessed remarkable progress and inventions in engine technologies, revolutionizing the way cars perform and consume fuel today. Currently, car manufacturers have introduced innovative solutions that have drastically impacted the industry, bringing forth a new era of efficiency and sustainability.

VVT – Variable Valve Timing

VVT optimizes the engine and its efficiency by exactly timing the valve operations.It adapts to different driving conditions by enabling optimal control over the valve opening and closing. The feature also boosts engine performance by enhancing power output and torque across a wide range of engine speeds. Not only this, it also improves fuel efficiency giving better mileage and minimum emissions.

Di – Direct Injection

Direct injection is a car technology that ensures more efficient and precise fuel distribution by delivering fuel directly into the engine’s combustion chamber at extremely high pressures. Di engines are popular for their enhanced fuel efficiency, as the fuel is injected into the cylinder at the correct moment, paving the way to better combustion and minimum waste.

Direct injection plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability while offering better overall performance of the car.

Start-Stop Technology

The start-stop technology is beneficial to those who drive through traffic regularly. Idling with the engine turned on will lead to wastage of petrol/fuel. This feature comes in handy in such situations when the engine shuts itself off when the car comes to a stop. It restarts when the driver releases the brake. This feature helps conserve fuel and minimize emissions during times of idling, contributing to lower environmental impact and greater fuel efficiency.

Cylinder Deactivation

This is another modern car technology that impacts the fuel efficiency of the car as well as its overall performance. Cylinder deactivation technology is nothing but certain cylinders in the engine being temporarily deactivated when the car is driven under light load conditions. For instance, cruising on highways. The engine’s overall workload is reduced by deactivating cylinders when not required. This leads to reduced fuel consumption. This feature does not compromise performance, offering the driver a balance between power and efficiency during changing driving conditions.

Brands Launching the Best of Car Engines

Here are some of the most popular brands known for their durable engines:

• Volkswagen
• BMW
• Mitsubishi
• Maruti Suzuki
• Hyundai
• Honda
• Toyota

Cars with the Best Engines in India

• Maruti Suzuki Swift
• Hyundai i20
• Tata Nexon
• Honda City
• Hyundai Verna
• Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
• Volkswagen Polo GT
• Fiat Abarth Punto
• Mahindra XUV500
• Tata Harrier

Take Away

The engine plays a vital role in the overall performance and efficiency of the car. If you are looking to purchase a car, new or used, one thing you must be mindful of is the engine and the performance of the car. A good engine in a car is essential for the life and performance of the car. Only if the overall driving experience and user experience are good, is it a worthy car.