how to choose 2022?

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Given the multitude of engines available in 2022, it is not easy to navigate and make the right decision. We guide you through the options available!

In 2022, the supply of new car engines has never been so rich. Certainly diesel is on its way out, but it is still offered by many manufacturers. And the offers of petrol, microhybrid, classic hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, E85 and LPG abound and coexist. As a result, it is not always easy to find and buy the engine that best fits your specifications for as little money as possible. Let’s take stock.

Gasoline: the safe bet

For most manufacturers, conventional gasoline internal combustion engines are still the cheapest of the ranges. Especially because they are often the only ones available in manual gearboxes, which are even cheaper than automatic ones.

Technological progress requires, gasoline engines are becoming cheaper to use, and less and less polluting. And if they have Euro 6D-Full certification (the current standard), you won’t be stuck in urban areas for many more years (2030 at the earliest in Paris), and not before 2035 in France. Enough to make sure you can resell your new car in a few years without any worries.

But beware, species will become rarer, due to tougher standards. And non-hybrid essences are the most affected by malus. Don’t forget the latter when buying your car.

Diesel: Not dead yet

Since the famous Dieselgate and the tightening of anti-pollution standards, diesel has had a hard life. Of most sales in France, diesel accounted for only 2021just over 20% of sales. With the famous ZFE and the traffic restrictions regulated by Crit’air vignettes, the days of diesel in the big cities are numbered. Logically, many manufacturers have decided to abandon it.

But outside of urban areas, diesel still has its card to play. First, at equivalent power, it tends to emit less CO2 than gasoline. Therefore, the penalty is lower. Above all, consumption is lower, although the price of a liter of diesel is no longer much lower than that of petrol. In addition, German premiums still tend to offer this to models intended for great riders.

Micro-hybrid: an affordable compromise

To meet increasingly stringent emission standards without increasing costs, manufacturers often resort to micro-hybrid. This technology, often composed ofa small 12, 24 or 48V battery, allows you to turn off the combustion engine more often. Some even offer a small boost in acceleration and can turn off the heat engine when you get off your foot. The fuel economy in the city is often excellent, but make no mistake: it’s a compensation. You will be far from the saved liters of “full hybrids”, and you will not be able to drive in 100% electric mode.

Classic hybrid: the most rational?

With pioneers like Toyota and Honda, “classic” hybrid technology is now well established. One or more electric motors take over the heat engine at low speed and in the city, and support it in the acceleration phases. Therefore, the latter may be smaller. Consumption is, therefore logically reducedand this much more than in a microhybrid.

Compared to the plug-in hybrid, the classic hybrid generally offers lower prices, and above all fuel savings in all conditions. On the other hand, driving in 100% electric mode is often the case limited to a few miles, the fault of a small battery. Also beware of variable speed gearboxes (and equivalent) that are often installed in these engines and are not always pleasant to use.

Plug-in hybrid: be careful, very specific uses

Favored by a WLTP certification cycle that makes them show up ridiculous consumption, plug-in hybrids are taking up more and more space in manufacturers’ ranges. And, on paper, they represent an attractive solution. With 100% electrical autonomy usually around 50 km, they can allow you to make your daily trips (home-work, shopping, etc.). without consuming a drop of gasoline. And when it comes time to go on vacation, you don’t have to queue in front of a charging station.

But now, these benefits only apply to a very specific situation. In fact, you should constantly recharge your PHEV battery to benefit from reduced power consumption. Otherwise, they can do much worse than a classic thermal! So study your uses carefully before you start. Can you recharge at home and at work? Do you often go on vacation or long distance?

Electric: the future, but at what price?

Considered by manufacturers and authorities as the engine of the future, electric vehicles are on the rise. Sales are booming (but still very much in the minority), communication campaigns are multiplying … And we must recognize that in everyday driving, electricity is very attractive. Instant pairing is ideal in the city, and very pleasant silence on long trips. the pedal mode equipping many models is an added convenience. Not to mention, obviously, the fuel economy, and the ecological aspect, although the latter is sometimes debatable.

But the price of electric cars is still very high. The price of the load only increases. And not to mention the network of terminals, still very insufficient in the face of the autonomy that struggles to exceed 350 km on the highway.

E85 and LPG: smart alternatives

In these times of completely crazy fuel prices, the alternatives are more interesting. Either LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or E85 (superethanol produced mainly from beets in France), prices at the pump are below 1 € / L. Unexpected! Unfortunately, these two engines are still rare. Dacia and Renault have invested in the LPG market, while Ford offers several models in E85. On the other hand, in both cases, these engines are usually available in low power (100 hp for example in Dacia and Renault). But that makes it a smart entry level!

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