But what does the dCi logo on the back of your car actually mean?

On the back of some diesel vehicles from Renault , Dacia or even Nissan, a small, almost invisible acronym is affixed. The dCi, or "Direct Common Rail Injection", is an English term that refers to a common rail direct injection system or high-pressure direct injection. In other words, it is the modern version of the direct injection diesel engine.

In general, this means that, unlike older engines where the diesel was first injected into a small pre-chamber, here the fuel is sprayed directly into the main combustion chamber, under very high pressure. This process allows for more efficient combustion, therefore better performance, lower fuel consumption and less pollution.

Looking back at the history, the development of dCi engines is part of a constant quest to improve diesel performance. The history of this technology dates back to the 1990s, a period when engineers sought to overcome the limitations of older injection systems.

Then, the first engines incorporating dCi technology were launched in 1997, followed by widespread adoption in the early 2000s for vehicles of the Renault-Nissan alliance. Today, common rail injection systems equip all mass-produced diesel engines .

In response to the demands of anti-pollution standards, Renault has developed an improved version of its diesel engines: the Blue dCi. This is a new generation of less polluting blocks, designed specifically to meet European regulations. A notable feature of the Blue dCi engines is the need to use AdBlue , a urea-based additive. This liquid is stored in a separate tank located next to the fuel tank.

In short, the dCi acronym represents much more than just a technical abbreviation on a vehicle's bodywork. It is a marker of the technological evolution of diesel engines, which has enabled significant advances in performance, efficiency, and environmental friendliness.