Iconic Powerhouse

The MDI (Mahindra Direct Injection) engine is clearly one of the most iconic engines the Indian automotive industry has seen thus far. Mahindra Diesel (MD) engine is originally based on the international harvester tractor engine which just refuses to die. The adaptation of the tractor engine was perfect for the Indian conditions which experienced poor quality fuel and hot operational conditions and yet had to be fuel-efficient. Due to the fuel crisis in the early 70’s, Mahindra was forced to dieselize their fleet in 1975 as petrol became too expensive to run and the diesel was heavily subsidized. Mahindra Jeep lost its soul when an adequately powered 72 Bhp Hurricane petrol engine was supplemented by an anaemic International engine producing a measly 38bhp of power.

Mahindra Jeeps which were primarily used for utilitarian purposes, the customers did welcome the diesel units that were robust and extremely fuel-efficient. Since the 70’s this engine had no looking back. ‘MD’ engine saw multiple updates and the most significant update came in the 90’s when direct injection (DI) technology was introduced to improve the cold starting capability and also fuel efficiency. At this point in time, this engine was named MDI (Mahindra Di engine). While more powerful & relatively refined Peugeot engines were on offer, it was the Mahindra Di which was more popular with masses for its fuel efficiency and rugged design.  Unlike the Peugeot IDI units, this engine did not need a strong glow plug and a powerful battery to start on a cold morning. Did not even need a battery to run. Could be just push started in case of a dead battery.  A perfect package for rural India. The peak power subsequently was bumped up to about 58bhp & 16kgm torque and the peak RPM operation went up to 3200 from a mere 2300 in its first avatar.

With Bharat emission norms kicking in, a turbo charger was added to help confirm it to BS3 norms. While everyone thought, MDI Turbo has already come a long way, the fraternity was stunned to see an updated low-cost common-rail BS4 version of this same engine. If this wasn’t enough, it was the BS6 75Bhp 2020 update that made it iconic by making it possibly the only engine family to survive for over 5 decades with relevant updates. This engine is amongst few that has got tremendous equity in rural India and has powered everything right from tractors to old Mahindra jeeps to SUV’s like the popular Bolero to light commercial vehicles to name a few.  With millions of these examples on the road, this engine is also a popular choice with project restorers as the parts are cheap and easily available. Seldom do manufacturers have such an example of a powertrain that soldiers on for over 50 years. Perhaps only an all-electric dictum could lay this engine to rest.  

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