Mazda, Isuzu, Nissan, and the Direct Injection Diesel

12/26/96

Comline reports that Mazda will become the first Japanese to offer a compact diesel vehicle with direct injection, a technology that has dramatically improved fuel efficiency. The company will place the new engine in its redesigned Capella Wagon for its Fall 1997 release. Isuzu and Nissan plan to use similar engines beginning in 1998.

Mazda's new diesel engine will be in the 2000 cc engine class and is expected to get at least twenty kilometers per liter of fuel. Isuzu's new engine will be in the 3000 cc class and the company will put it into a redesigned off-road Mu for sale in early 1998. Nissan plans to offer a 2000 cc class engine on some models in 1998.

Mitsubishi was the first automaker to come out with direct-injection gasoline engines, which it introduced last August.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel