Share

SEE | Authoritative and potent - These are the most powerful 2.0-litre engines in SA

accreditation

• We list five of the most powerful 2.0-litre engines in SA.

• Mercedes-AMG has the most powerful engine, producing 310kW/500Nm.

• Porsche also has a 2.0-litre engine in its portfolio.

For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za

The automotive world is slowly but surely distancing itself from six- and eight-cylinder engines. Instead, adopting smaller displacement engines and adding forced induction to the equation. One of the more popular engine choices automakers are gravitating towards is those displacing 2.0-litres.

South Africa, too, is on the receiving end of these engines, with many a sports car implementing a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. We list the five most powerful engines in the country displacing 2.0-litres.

Mercedes-AMG

When Mercedes-AMG first launched its new A45 AMG in the early parts of the past decade, the car featured the world's most powerful 2.0-litre engine. With 265kW and later 285kW to its disposal, the engine soon found its way to other vehicles in the A-Class family, i.e. the GLA and CLA's 45 AMG models.

In 2020, Mercedes-AMG launched the new 45 AMG family, and with the engine now producing 310kW and 500Nm in its most powerful form. Coupled to Merc's 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, the A45 AMG can go from 0-100km/h in 3.9sec and onto a 270km/h top speed.

The same engine is also found in the 35 AMG and A250, producing 225kW/400Nm and 165kW/350Nm, respectively.

Mercedes-AMG A45

2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 (MotorPress)

Volkswagen, Audi, Honda

Powering the current Volkswagen Golf R and Audi S3 is the Volkswagen Group's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. In both applications, the motor produces 228kW and 400Nm and is coupled to their creators' respective all-wheel-drive systems.

The Golf R is available in hatchback only, while the S3 can be had in Sportback (hatchback), cabriolet, or sedan.

When the latest generation Honda Civic Type R launched a few years ago, it did away with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine. Honda opted for an engine of the same displacement, but with a turbocharger bolted on. In its latest guise, the engine now produces 228kW/400Nm. While the rest of the Civic range consists of sedans, the Type R is available in hatchback only and drives through the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Civic Type R is also the only car in this company not to come from Europe.

2020 honda civic type R

2020 Honda Civic Type R (QuickPic)

BMW and Mini

The BMW Group, which includes both BMW and Mini, also has a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine in its arsenal. Producing 225kW and 450Nm, the engine powers the BMW M135i xDrive, BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé, and several Mini models.

The Mini models that implement this engine are the Clubman John Cooper Works (JCW) ALL4 Clubman and JCW ALL4 Countryman.

All the mentioned cars send power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

KEEP UPDATED on the latest Wheels news by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.

BMW M235i xDrive

2020 BMW M235i xDrive (PressClub / BMW SA)

Porsche

Yes, Porsche has a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine in its portfolio, and it powers the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman. Producing 220kW and 380Nm, the engine is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Both cars will go from 0-100km/h in under five seconds and stays true to the DNA Porsche's sports cars are so famously known for.

Porsche 718 Cayman

2020 Porsche 718 Cayman (Porsche Media)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE