Which diesel engine is better, German or Japanese? Which engines are the most reliable and durable? Rating of the best modern engines

Everyone knows that once upon a time, in the distant 80s and 90s, there were “million-dollar” engines that served faithfully for hundreds of thousands of kilometers. So, as a matter of fact, it is – we compiled their rating not so long ago. But there are worthy successors to the work of the “millionaires” today.

For some reason, it is believed that modern cars are disposable. I drove it for three years, sold it and went for a new one. But this is at least an exaggeration and generalization. Indeed, there is failed engines, but this is only part of the market. People own cars for 5-7 or even 10 years and, scary to say, buy them used! This means that reliable motors exist. Question: how to find them?

Which car and with which engine to buy so that it not only does not break down during the warranty, but also does not fall under recall campaigns, does not require expensive consumables and special service equipment. I ran happily ever after, although at a slower pace, consuming a little more fuel than my more progressive brothers.

Renault 1.6 16v K4M

Different classes of cars have their own leaders, and, of course, more complex and expensive cars are poorly suited for harsh operating conditions, but they also have their leaders and laggards in terms of the required amount of maintenance and the likelihood of failure.

Small class

Let's start with class B+, fortunately this size is one of the most common in Russia. The segment is rapidly developing, and there are a wide variety of cars in it: our Kalina-Grants, and foreign cars for every taste and budget. Almost all cars are extremely practical and are not burdened with special innovations. But this is only in Russia; abroad, such cars are often equipped with more progressive engines. Fortunately, there are few “imported” cars; most of the cars in this segment have long taken root on Russian soil and are produced here or supplied in special Russian configurations.

The undisputed leader is the K7M engine from Renault. The recipe for reliability is simple: a displacement of 1.6 liters and only eight valves, no complications. Driven by a timing belt, no hydraulic compensators, a simple cast-iron block, a simple ignition module, no “newfangled” things at all. Such engines are installed on the “folk” Logan and Sandero and do not cause much trouble. There is simply nothing to break, and the workmanship is excellent.

Second and third places, perhaps, should be given to the VAZ-21116 and Renault K4M engines. The first engine is also 1.6 and eight-valve, simple and reliable. But at times the build quality and wiring quality let us down, and cars with manual transmissions are not the most reliable, because the gearbox is not designed for increased torque.

The sixteen-valve K4M engine from Renault is just a little more complicated and a little more expensive. Does not easily withstand high loads. But they install it not only on Logan, but also on Duster, Megane, Kangoo, Fluence and other cars.

Middle class

One of the leaders in reliability in the C-class already exists - this is the mentioned K4M from Renault. But the cars are somewhat heavier, cars with automatic transmission are more common, which means the power requirements are slightly higher. 1.6 engines will obviously have a shorter lifespan than engines with a displacement of 1.8 and 2 liters, which means it is worth separating 1.6 engines into a separate group for those who do not need to drive fast.

Probably the simplest, cheapest resource engine for cars in the C-class can be called the very respectable Z18XER. The design is the most conservative, except that phase shifters and an adjustable thermostat are installed. Timing belt drive, simple injection system and a good margin of reliability. A power of 140 horsepower is enough for comfortable movement of such heavy vehicles as Opel Astra J and Chevrolet Cruze, as well as Opel minivan Zafira.

Second place in reliability can be given to the series of engines from Hyundai/Kia/Mitsubushi G4KD/4B11. These two-liter engines are the heirs of the famous Mitsubishi 4G63, including in terms of reliability. There was a system for adjusting the timing phases, and its drive had a completely reliable chain. Simple system power supply and good build quality, but the timing chain drive is more complex and expensive, and the motor itself is noticeably more technologically advanced, so only second place. The engine power is noticeably higher, however, all 150-165 hp. This is more than enough for any C-class car with any load, on the highway and in the city, with automatic transmission and manual transmission. Such engines were installed on a huge number of cars, including the Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato Ceed, Mitsubishi Lancer and other cars and crossovers of a higher class: Mitsubishi ASX, Outlander, Hyundai Sonata, Elantra, ix35 and Kia Optima.

The Renault-Nissan MR20DE/M4R engine may well claim third place. This two-liter gasoline engine has been produced for quite a long time, since 2005, and in design it also goes back to " glorious ancestors"F-series from the 80s. The key to success lies in the conservatism of the design and a moderate degree of boost. In comparison with the leaders, it has a less reliable cylinder head, sometimes the chain still stretches, but still it allows you to exchange all three hundred thousand kilometers at careful operation, and the price of spare parts is not off the charts.

Junior business class

In the D+ segment, two-liter engines from among the C-class reliability leaders are also popular, and here they look good, because the weight of the cars does not differ so much. But complex and “prestigious” high-power motors are more popular.

Motor 2AR-FE with a power of 165-180 hp. and a displacement of 2.5 liters is installed on one of the bestsellers in the D+ segment, the Toyota Camry, and is without a doubt the most common and reliable engine in its class. They are installed on both RAV4 crossovers and Alphard minivans. The motor is quite simple, but the key to success is the quality of execution and frequent maintenance Toyota cars.

Second place deservedly goes to G4KE/4B12 engines from Hyundai/Kia/Mitsubishi. These engines have a displacement of 2.4 liters and a power of 176-180 hp. installed on Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, many other passenger models and a galaxy Mitsubishi crossovers Outlander/Peugeot 4008/Citroen C-Crosser. The design is close to the G4KD/4B11 engines, and in the same way they are the heirs of the reliable Mitsubisi engines. The design is without any special frills in the form of direct injection, timing chain drive plus phase shifters. Good reserve of power and resource, not too much expensive spare parts- this is the key to success.

But there will be no third place. Turbo engines on European cars noticeably more difficult to operate and potentially more vulnerable. Relatively reliable turbodiesels still require more High Quality service. And third place goes to fairly simple units, for example, the already mentioned Z18XER on Opel Insignia or Duratec Ti-VCT on Ford Mondeo, and if their power is enough for you and you drive quietly, then they will turn out to be the most inexpensive to operate.

Senior business class

Prestigious sedans E-classes are not low-cost cars, and the engines in this class are complex and powerful. And often they cannot boast of particular reliability. But among them there are leaders and units with high reliability.

Once again the leaders are Toyota, or rather Lexus, but you know that the company is essentially one? Motors 3.5 series 2GR-FE and 2GR-FSE are installed on Lexus models ES and GS and luxury SUVs Lexus RX. Despite high power and light weight, this is a very successful gasoline engine, in the version without direct injection it is considered one of the most trouble-free in its class.

Volvo deservedly takes second place with its 3-liter B6304T2 inline-six. The first turbo engine in our rating turns out to be even easier and cheaper to operate than diesel engines. Largely due to the venerable age of the design with a good margin of safety and relatively low prices for service.

Unfortunately, the naturally aspirated 3.2 is no longer available; it is undoubtedly even more reliable and could claim first place in this category. The secret of success is the modular design of the engines. This family has been produced from 1990 to the present day in versions with four, five and six cylinders. Continuous improvement of the design and extensive experience in operating motors has had a positive effect on the reliability and cost of operation.

Behind Infiniti, which is in third place, in this class is the Q70 model with the legendary “six” VQVQ37VHR series with a volume of 3.7 liters and a power of 330 horsepower. The key to success in this case is the quality of execution, the glorious and long history of the motor series and its prevalence. Such motors were also installed on sports Nissan 370Z, and the QX50 and QX70 SUVs, and the smaller Q50 sedan.

Don't expect a rating here. An F-class car is never cheap to operate; a modern car of this level combines all the technological advances of recent years, all the most complex and expensive equipment. They have, of course, their leaders and their outsiders, especially since German executive sedans are also produced with very reliable diesel engines, and Korean and Japanese premium brands They focus on the reliability of gasoline engines and warranty. But it’s difficult to choose between them, and it doesn’t make sense; there are different rules of the game in this class.

As is known, perpetual motion machines does not happen, but all engines are different - power unit models of modern cars have different service life, and besides, they have their own characteristic faults.

This article will consider both the most reliable engines in the world, which do not break down for a long time, have a very good service life in terms of mileage and hours worked, and not the best power units.

Recently, almost nothing has been heard about “million-dollar” engines, of which there were many in the 80-90s of the 20th century; it is possible that it has become unprofitable for automobile companies to produce reliable engines. On the other hand, the newly developed engines have not yet traveled a certain number of kilometers, and it is too early to judge their quality. In this article we will touch upon the topic of which modern engines are the most reliable and durable, and have already proven themselves on the market and are very popular.

Among the most resistant internal combustion engines, power units are most often noted Mitsubishi manufacturers, Honda, Toyota, Opel, BMW, Mercedes, but not all engines from these companies are successful, there are some frankly weak motors With characteristic defects. Again, engines vary in power, so in order to compile a rating, it is necessary to divide all power units into car classes.

There is often a debate among car enthusiasts about which engines are more reliable - Japanese or European? Recently, Toyota and Honda have increasingly taken the lead, while companies such as Audi, Volkswagen and Peugeot are losing their positions. There is no talk at all about VAZ engines; it seems that domestic engines do not compete with foreign internal combustion engines?

Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines are more capricious in Russian conditions, and more often the compilers of ratings in Russia note engines prone to breakdowns. Among the most reliable power units are diesel engines Mercedes and Nissan are also quite in good standing diesel engines Subaru. Opel diesels are somewhere in the middle of the reliability rating, but Russians have a lot of complaints about Renault engines. It should also be noted that naturally aspirated engines are more reliable than turbodiesels - the turbine often breaks down and causes a lot of trouble for car owners.

If speak about Volkswagen diesels, then the four-cylinder 1.9 TDI diesel engine (models ASZ and ARL) is considered “indestructible”. This motor is available in various modifications and “digests” Russian diesel fuel well. The 1.9 TDI can travel 400 or 500 thousand km before a major overhaul - much depends on operating conditions and timely maintenance.

When asked what diesel engines the most reliable, it’s still not easy to answer - among the good practical engines there are not only “Japanese” and “Germans”, but also “Americans”, for example, Ford produces good internal combustion engines. Reliability is often determined by the percentage of breakdowns for each vehicle, but the complexity of the breakdown itself is not taken into account. Still, it is better to turn to reviews left by users - popular opinion is always more objective.

As is known, on modern cars Ford installs three types of gasoline engines:

• Duratec;
• Zetec;
• Split Port.

Split Port motors are not famous for their reliability; sore spot– valve seats falling out of the cylinder head. The Zetec internal combustion engine with a timing belt drive is considered the most trouble-free, on cars Ford Focus and Mondeo, Zetek 1.6 and 2.0 liter power units are mainly installed. The 1.6-liter engine is generally good, but somewhat weak, but the two-liter engine turns out to be the most reliable:

• practically does not consume oil (occasionally consumption is observed after 150 thousand km);
• starts well in any frost;
• has excellent dynamics;
• the timing belt of the engine almost always reaches its service life (120 thousand km);
• with careful operation of internal combustion engines without problems it can cover 350-400 thousand km or more before overhaul.

On chain motors Duratec has some complaints, although in some cases they last 500 thousand km. The popular engine in Ford Focus/Mondeo, Mazda 6 is the 1.8 liter Duratec HE. These motors often float idle speed, oil consumption is higher than normal, but the chain runs for a long time - it needs to be replaced at a mileage of 200-250 thousand km.

Power units Honda company renowned for their reliability, and according to UK research, Japanese engines Honda ranks first in terms of the minimum number of breakdowns per car in percentage. The most popular among Honda engines are the K20 series models; in 2001, these engines replaced the F20 and B20 internal combustion engines. Two-liter power units have a good power reserve, on average they consume no more than one liter of oil per 10 thousand km, the standard engine life is 300-400 thousand km. But you need to operate the engine carefully, and it should be taken into account that the K20 is not intended for sports competitions, it does not “love” bad oil and low-quality gasoline.

Car owners speak very highly of the B20B engine, and some boast that the car starts in any frost with it. However, it should be noted that frequent cold start ICE at temperatures below minus 25ºC without preheater reduces resource power unit. And one more thing - no matter how good the engine is, if you fill it with low-quality motor oil, do not maintain the engine, or overheat, the engine will quickly fail and turn out to be completely unreliable.

Legendary million-dollar engines

It is believed that in the eighties, car engines were produced that could operate up to 1 million km without major repairs. In particular, it seems that one of such power units is the internal combustion engine of the Mercedes-Benz model M102 (installed on Mercedes cars in W123 and W124 bodies). But in the world everything is relative, and for some car owners this engine did not last even 200 thousand km - a lot depends on operating conditions.

There are also legends about Toyota 2.5 liter diesel engines and Mitsubishi 4G63 gasoline engines. Of course, these internal combustion engines have a very good service life and honestly work out their million kilometers, but with one caveat - major repairs (and even more than one) are still carried out during the service life of the internal combustion engine, since the cylinders cannot last forever, and they wear out after 300 -400 thousand km. Those motors that continue to operate longer are already losing their power.

Although engines produced by VAZ are not included in the rating of reliable automotive power units, it is worth talking about them. VAZ cars themselves are characterized poor quality assembly, a lot of defects, but the engines on Ladas are surprisingly reliable, 8-valve internal combustion engines are considered especially successful.

For VAZ-2112 engines, the normal mileage before major repairs is 200-300 thousand km, although the manufacturer declared a resource of 150 thousand. VAZ-21083 engines during normal operation and timely replacement oils can last even longer - up to 400 thousand km.

VAZs come across 16-valve engines that immediately begin to “crumble”:

• appears increased consumption oils;
• various knocking noises occur in the internal combustion engine;
• oil appears in the spark plug wells;
• the engine is prone to overheating.

Unfortunately, all VAZ products are in some way a lottery, and the percentage of defects at the plant is quite high. But the design of the engines itself can be confidently called successful - engines sometimes endure considerable “bullying” from drivers, and at the same time survive.

ABOUT Renault engines It’s impossible to say unambiguously - the line of power units has both successful models, and frankly weak. The 8-valve engines K7M and K7J with volumes of 1.6 and 1.4 liters, respectively, are considered very reliable. The design of these engines is very simple, and there is practically nothing to break here. Timing drive French engines– belt, valves are adjusted with screws, no hydraulic compensators. K7M is the most popular - it is installed on car Renault Logan/ Sandero/ Symbol/ Clio, VAZ Lada Largus cars are also equipped with this power unit. The K7J is good for everyone, but its power is not enough for a mid-size passenger car.

The K7M engine has a timing belt drive; it is recommended to replace parts of the gas distribution mechanism after 60 thousand km. The engine life is very good - internal combustion engines last an average of 400 thousand km without major repairs.

Renault has engines with low reliability - these are 1.5 / 1.9 and 2.2 liter diesel engines. The problem with the motors is quite serious - it knocks under load. crankshaft, and the knock connecting rod bearings– this is definitely a major overhaul with all the attendant expenses. The resource of Renault diesel engines is short, and a “capital” may be required after 130-150 thousand kilometers.

Myths about super-reliable engines

The reliability of a car engine is a relative concept, since not everything depends on design features power unit. The same internal combustion engine, even if it is a three-million-dollar engine, can be quickly disabled in inept hands with careless treatment. At the same time, a motor of not the most successful design can last quite a long time, but for this you need:

• fill in high-quality motor oil that meets technical specifications, preferably always the same brand;
• change the oil according to the regulations;
• Do not overheat the internal combustion engine under any circumstances;
• do not allow the engine to operate at increased loads (at constant high speeds).

If you follow all operating rules, the engine will run for a long time.

Just 20 years ago, it was believed that the larger the engine capacity, the better and better quality it was. Over time, everything has changed. . The trend in the automotive industry in recent years is to reduce engine volume while maintaining power, which became possible thanks to the use of turbines. It is worth noting that this achieves a reduction in fuel consumption, which is important when the cost of automobile fuel, becomes very expensive.

Plus, it forces car manufacturers. Automotive companies have a different approach to the design, creation and production of engines. , others are ready to lift the car into the air at the expense of . Some engines have good efficiency, while others do the opposite.

But, of course, despite the huge variety of car engines, there are a small number of power units that have become very popular in the car market over the past 20 years. Most car enthusiasts know about these engines. Many of us don’t even suspect that under the hoods of their cars are exactly these legendary engines. We have selected for you the most popular ten that have become popular all over the world.

1) GM LS series

No complaints. Simple design engine allowed it to become one of the most popular in the world. The combination of power, torque, size, efficiency and simplicity of design allows this V8 engine to be better than OHC engines.

The company's famous engine, which was installed on the following brands:

• 1998-2002 Firebird Formula, Trans Am
• 1998-2002 Camaro
• 1997-2002 Chevrolet Corvette
• 1999-2005 Holden Commodore Ute
• 1999-2005 Holden Commodore (VT, VX, VY, VZ)
• 1999-2005 Holden Statesman (WH, WK, WL)
• 1999-2005 Holden Caprice (WH, WK, WL)
• 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Clubsport (VT, VX, Y Series)
• 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Clubsport R8 (VT, VX, Y Series)
• 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Grange (VT, VX, Y Series)
• 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles GTS (VT, VX, Y Series)
• 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Maloo (VT, VX, Y Series)
• 1999-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Senator Signature (VT, VX, Y Series)
• 2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles Senator 300 (VX)
• 2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles Coupé GTO (VX)
• 2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles Coupé GTS (VX)
• 2000-2002 Holden Special Vehicles SV300 (VX)
• 2000-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Maloo R8 (VX, Y Series)
• 2001-2001 Omega (prototype)
• 2001-present Mosler MT900
• 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Clubsport SE (Y Series)
• 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Coupé LE (Y Series)
• 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Coupé4 AWD (Y Series)
• 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Avalanche XUV (Y Series)
• 2003-2004 Holden Special Vehicles Avalanche XUV AWD (Y Series)
• 2001-2005 Holden Monaro CV8
• 2004 GTO
• 2006-present Elfin MS8 Streamliner
• 2006-present Elfin MS8 Clubman

2) BMW S54

This engine repeatedly became the best among engines from 3.0 to 4.0 liters, from 2001 to 2006. Let us remember that the S54 engine is a modification of the M50 engine.

The engine was installed on the following vehicles:

• 2001-2006 E46 M3, power - 343 hp, maximum torque - 365 N.m.
• 2001-2006 E46 M3(North America only) power - 333 hp, maximum torque - 355 N.m.
• 2001-2002 (except North America) power - 325 hp, maximum torque 354 N.m.
• 2001-2002 (North America only) power - 315 hp, maximum torque - 341 N.m.
• 2004 E46 CSL power - 360 hp, maximum torque - 370 N.m.
• 2006-2008 (except USA) power - 343 hp, maximum torque - 365 N.m.
• 2006-2008 E85 Z4 M Roadster / E86 Z4 Coupe(USA only) power - 330 hp, maximum torque - 355 N.m.

An impressive engine whose sound cannot be described in words.

The engine has repeatedly become not only a prize-winner, but also a winner in the nomination for the title of the best engine in the world.

3) Ford EcoBoost V6

Family modern engines with direct fuel injection from Ford. The technology allows, despite the efficiency, to use a larger engine volume without using a turbine (not on all modifications), thereby achieving an increase in power by 15-20 percent.

1.6 L EcoBoost I-4 used:

100 hp.

• 2012 - B-Max
• 2013 - Fiesta

125 hp

• 2012 -
• 2012 - C-Max
• 2012 - B-Max
• 2013 - Fiesta

150 hp

• 2010 - C-MAX
• 2010 - Focus
• 2010 -
• 2010 - V60
• 2012 -

160 hp

• 2011 - Mondeo
• 2011 - S-Max
• 2011 - Galaxy

185 hp

• 2010 - C-MAX
• 2013 - Fusion
• 2010 - S60
• 2010 - V60
• 2011 - Focus
• 2011 - V70
• 2011 - S80
• 2012 - V40
• 2013 - Escape
• 2013 - Fiesta ST (Europe)

200 hp

• 2014 -

2.0 L EcoBoost I-4 used:

203 hp

• 2010 -
• 2010 -
• 2010 -
• 2010-2011 S60 2.0T
• 2010-2011 V60 2.0T

243 hp

• 2010 - Mondeo
• 2011 -
• 2011 -
• 2011 -
• 2011 - S-MAX
• 2012 - Falcon
• 2013 - Escape
• 2013 - 2
• 2013 - Fusion
• 2013 - Taurus
• 2013 -
• 2013 -

255 hp

• 2013 - Ford Focus ST

2.3 L EcoBoost I-4 used:

280 hp

• 2015 - MKC
• 2015 -

4) Volkswagen TFSI

The compact, lightweight and versatile Volkswagen engine works together with a turbine, which allows it to achieve good power values ​​while remaining an economical engine.

2.0 R4 16v TFSI used:

• 168 hp - (C6), VW Tiguan
• 182 hp -
• 197 hp - (B7) , (8P) , (B6) , Mk5 , Mk5 GLI , Leon, Exeo ,
• 217 hp - 2005 i A4 (B7) DTM Edition
• 217 hp - R WRC
• 227 hp - VW Golf Mk5 GTI Edition 30, Volkswagen Golf MKVI GTI Edition 35
• 237 hp - Seat Leon, Seat Leon Cupra Mk2
• 252 hp - Audi S3 (8P), Golf R (Australia, Japan, Middle East and North America)
• 261 hp - Audi S3 (8P)
• 261 hp - Audi S3 (8P), Audi TTS, Seat Leon Cupra R Mk2 facelift
• 267 hp - Audi TTS, Golf R (Europe)

Other TFSI engines you can see . The Volkswagen engine has repeatedly become a winner in the nomination for the title of the best engine from 1.8 to 2.0 liters. For a long time it was included in the top ten best engines produced in the automotive industry.

5) Buick V6 Series 2 3800

This engine first appeared in 1962. Throughout production various modifications and generations by General Motors produced 25,000,000 motors. The first engine was produced for special version Buick car. The engine capacity was 3.2 liters, the power of which reached 198 hp.

The engine, having undergone many improvements and modifications, was produced until August 22, 2008, when it was decided to discontinue production of the engine. Last years This engine was installed on the 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix GT.

6) Toyota 2JZ-GTE

One of the most popular engines of the Japanese corporation, which was produced from 1991 to 2002. The twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine was originally created for the Supra RZ (JZA80). Toyota engineers created this engine as an alternative to the .

Engine used:

• Toyota Aristo / JZS147 (Japan only)
• Toyota Aristo V300 300 JZS161 (Japan only)
• Toyota Supra RZ/Turbo JZA80

7) Alfa Romeo V6 24V

The reliable engine is the Fiat turbocharged power unit.

Many car enthusiasts note the fact that modern car engines have sharply reduced service life. If earlier multi-liter engines were called “million-dollar engines” for their enormous resources, then their modern representatives now run on average 200-300 thousand kilometers. New gasoline turbo engines, which due to the turbine were able to reduce the displacement at the same power level, also do not shine with such engine life indicators. However, we were able to find several models of gasoline engines that seemed to us very reliable in our time. modern times, when automakers, for the sake of sales, reduce the life cycle of new cars.

As you know, the “Best Motor of the Year” awards are awarded annually in the USA and Europe. The jury of these competitions are journalists from various automobile publications. Maybe motorists think that the engine internal combustion, which received the title “Best Motor of the Year” is reliable and has long service life. In reality, everything looks completely different. Journalists choose best engines according to the criteria of efficiency and environmental friendliness, power density. None of them choose best motor years according to the criterion of reliability and service life. But for car owners from all over the world, it is the last criterion that we indicated that is extremely important.

We decided to select from the total volume of gasoline engines produced by automobile manufacturers around the world the best specimens, which demonstrate not only a solid resource, but also low cost operation.

The best small-displacement naturally aspirated engines

We include power units with a displacement of up to 1.6 liters as small-displacement gasoline engines. In this class of gasoline engines, manufacturers offer reliable engine models with a service life of up to 300 thousand kilometers. Among the reliable naturally aspirated engines are engine models from manufacturers such as Renault, Opel, Ford and Fiat. Such models can be considered reliable, since they were developed 20 years ago, and are still considered economical after a small modern modernization. It is not surprising, but reliable naturally aspirated engines with a displacement of 1.6 liters are supplied by global automakers to car models sold in Russia. Eastern Europe and Africa. That is, in other words, they seem to be writing off car models with such engines for developing markets. Of course, such engines do not have high efficiency and environmental friendliness, like modern gasoline turbo engines, but they are easy to repair and inexpensive. Thanks to this, automakers can reduce the cost of new cars in emerging markets.

Reliable small-displacement engines include a series of 1.6 and 1.4 liter engines. Such motors can now be found on Ford models Focus and Ford Ecosport.

EcoTec motors German manufacturer Opel are also reliable.

The German automobile manufacturer Opel has a reliable small engine, the 1.6-liter A16XER engine with 116 horsepower. This naturally aspirated unit is still installed on the Opel Astra J, which continues to be sold along with the new generation. By the way, new Opel generation Astra K completely lost its naturally aspirated engines.

Also reliable are the A14XE, A14XEP and A14XER engines with a displacement of 1.4 liters and a power of 75 to 100 horsepower. Such engines are installed on this moment on the model Opel Corsa Opel Meriva and Opel Astra J. This model atmospheric engines are already equipped with a timing chain. However, its resource is limited to 150 thousand kilometers.

The French automobile concern Renault offers atmospheric small engine with a displacement of 1.2 liters and a power of 75 horsepower. It belongs to the D4F series. Unfortunately, in Russia Renault models They are not sold with this engine. However, it is considered very reliable in the French line.

The best naturally aspirated small engines are the naturally aspirated engines of the Italian concern Fiat from the Fire series. So 1.2- and 1.-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engines are installed on Fiat models Punto, Fiat Panda And Fiat Doblo. This series of engines is distinguished by a timing belt drive, one phase shifter on a 16-valve engine, cast iron block cylinders, simple injection system.

At the German automobile Volkswagen concern atmospheric gasoline engines also remained. So Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda, which is included in VAG concern, offers car models with three-cylinder naturally aspirated MPI motors. These engines belong to the EA211 series, which also includes the 1.6 MPI engine, supplied to models assembled in Russia Skoda cars. This series of engines is distinguished by a simple design: direct timing drive, phase shifters, an advanced electric thermostat and a cylinder head with an integrated drain manifold. True, the power of such engines ranges from 60 to 75 horsepower, but compact models Skoda this power is quite enough.

The best turbocharged gasoline engines

We can safely say that one of the most reliable series of turbocharged engines on the European market is the series Opel engines A14NET/A14NEL. This series of engines was built on the already well-known naturally aspirated A14XER engine. Opel engineers managed to install a simple but reliable turbocharger on a naturally aspirated engine, which made it possible to increase the specific power of the new engines. The engines of this series develop power from 118 to 140 horsepower. They can be found under the hood of the Opel Astra H, Opel Meriva and Opel Insignia models. The service life of such gasoline turbo engines is 200-250 thousand kilometers.

Also successful and reliable turbo engines running on gasoline are the Fire series engines from the Italian concern Fiat. These power units are also built on the basis of naturally aspirated engines and develop power from 125 to 170 horsepower. This petrol turbo engine is installed on Alfa models Romeo Giulietta, Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500.

U Renault reliable gasoline engines are atmospheric engines D4F series.

Surprisingly, the engine is German automobile concern Volkswagen is also considered very reliable, despite its great criticism from domestic car owners. Since last year, Volkswagen engineers have eliminated all the weak points of this gasoline turbo engine. The resource was raised to 200-250 thousand kilometers. However, the turbine and direct injection system are still considered its weak point.

Almost all modern gasoline engines have a very complex design, thanks to which the engineers who worked on them manage to achieve excellent environmental and power performance. But if many power units, despite this, can withstand a mileage of 200-250 thousand kilometers without any problems, then individual units begin to present unpleasant surprises much earlier. So which modern gasoline engines deserve to be called the worst today in terms of reliability?

Engines 2.0 JTS and 2.2 JTS Alfa Romeo

Without a doubt, this list includes 2.0 JTS and 2.2 JTS engines installed on Alfa Romeo cars. These power units can be found under the hood of models 156, 159, GT and Brera. Both engines have one common problem– carbon deposits on the intake valves. In the case of a smaller power unit, it can even lead to damage to the valves. And for 2.2 JTS it is typical accelerated wear camshafts. In addition, both power units are prone to excessive oil consumption. Periodic failures in the operation of control electronics are also not uncommon.

ZZ series (1.4 – 1.8 liters) from Toyota

Excessive oil consumption also affects ZZ series engines (1.4 – 1.8 liters) from Toyota company, which were born in 2000 and were installed, for example, on the Corolla Verso and Avensis models. Due to a design miscalculation, not all parts of the ZZ family engines receive required amount lubricants, which often ends very rapid wear piston rings. Fortunately, the Japanese still tried to solve this problem and used an additional oil channel in modified engines.

Petrol engine 1.6 THP Peugeot and Citroen

It didn't turn out too well Gas engine 1.6 THP, which the French from Peugeot and Citroen designed together with specialists from German BMW. Initially, this power unit was installed on the BMW first series, Mini Cooper S and almost everything modern models PSA concern, has earned a lot of flattering reviews. However, it later became clear that this engine prone to premature wear camshaft bearings, which can also accelerate even more during prolonged driving with a low engine oil level. Add to this the malfunction of the electronics and valve timing system. But that's not all. Quite often, damage to the turbocharger rotor occurs in 1.6 THP engines. And the worst thing is that all this happens with very little mileage. Against this background, problems with the stretching timing chain no longer seem so significant.

Engines of the TSI family (1.2 and 1.4 liters) Volkswagen

The chain also stretches in engines of the TSI family (1.2 and 1.4 liters) from Volkswagen. And if you don’t rush to replace it, then it’s quite possible to end up with a major overhaul of the engine. In addition, problems with the turbine are quite often observed in TSI engines due to a defective valve. And on some cars, cases of pistons burning out were even recorded. Volkswagen company, however, responded very quickly to the problems that arose and already in 2012 introduced a new version of the motor (EA211 series). It replaced the timing chain drive with a much less problematic belt.

Three-cylinder petrol engine 1.0 R3 Opel

Well, the most unfortunate at the moment can be considered three-cylinder petrol engine 1.0 R3 from Opel, which was installed on Opel models Corsa C and Agila. Not only is this power unit characterized by rather rough operation and low power, but also in terms of reliability it is one of the worst. Failed ignition coils and engine control unit, oil and coolant leaks are not all that owners of cars with this power unit under the hood have to contend with. For some of them, it all ended with twisted bearings and a broken timing chain. A definite disadvantage of the 1.0 R engine is that it was installed exclusively on affordable small cars. As a result, now the cost of overhauling such a power unit may well exceed the cost of the car itself. Something to think about!