[Auto] Mercedes-Benz withdraws from the range, without making noise, the 1.5 dCi Renault engine

[#Steeven.™]

Our surprise when the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance announced its technical partnership with Mercedes-Benz was significant. At first we could not imagine that two such different corporations could work together. However, time and the projects that have been created have shown that the impossible is often possible. And the proof is in the Renault Twingo or Mercedes Citan.

However, the time for this association is running out. The reasons for this are various, but one of the most important has to do with the entry of Geely into the shareholding of Daimler AG. To this must be added that the cost savings they had forecast have not turned out to be entirely effective. Therefore, it is not strange that the house of the star has decided to start its path by breaking some of the ties it had with the French firm.

Mercedes-Benz will keep the 180d version, still, in the CLA

Specifically, we refer to the 1.5 dCi block of Renault origin mounted by the A-Class, B-Class and CLA and gives rise to the 180d version. This engine, which delivers a final power of 116 hp and 260 Nm, is the entry option to the range in both models. However, it is no longer available in the brand's configurator, so its sale has been eliminated. That is, Mercedes-Benz has quietly withdrawn it from the market.

However, do not panic as Daimler AG already has a new engine ready. In its place will be a new 2.0-liter diesel (with internal development code OM654q) and the same 116 hp that developed the previous 1.5 dCi. The difference is that the motor torque increases by 20 Nm to reach 280 Nm. In addition, its management will be entrusted to a new automatic transmission with double embargo with 8 relations.

The problem is that this replacement will not bring great improvements in emissions and prices. Apparently, it will increase emissions to 147 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Therefore, the price to pay will be higher, although this aspect who has to solve it is the customer who wants a unit. Ah, if you still want to bet on the 1.5 dCi block it will still be available, it is unknown by how much, in the CLA.