UNDER THE BONNET
When less
is more Smaller, lighter and way better, Volkswagen’s TSI engines
perform better than larger capacity engines with a frugal
appetite for fuel and no compromise on power
F
or centuries conventional wisdom has
led us to believe ‘more is more’. While
that may ring true for many things in
life, when it comes to Twitter updates, plastic
surgery, carbon emissions or the size of your
car’s engine, less really is more. Turbo Stratified
Injection (TSI) engines embody this principle
entirely and have proved to be a formidable
opposition to larger capacity engines.
Lighter, smaller and leaner, TSI engines
still deliver all the power and performance
that consumers demand and more. Its secret
is reduced friction in a TSI engine, which in
turn leads to a reduction in power loss. Being
lighter, the engine also has less weight to
shift in the car.
SMALLER ENGINE, MORE POWER
The worldwide trend in the motor industry is
making more with less. One innovative way of
doing this is producing engines that provide the
same performance using fewer kilowatts. With
Formula One Racing setting the example at the
highest class of competition, engine sizes are
getting smaller. The 2013 season is the final
year the series will use the current 2.4 litre V8
engine. From 2014 a 1.6ℓ turbocharged V6
engine formula will replace it.
Dr Rudolf Krebs, Head of Volkswagen’s
engine development department, points out that
being small has its evolutionary advantages.
38 Volkswagen
By Vanessa Papas
“There’s a misconception that smaller engines equal less power. While the 1.4ℓ TSI engine
is very small in capacity relative to its output, don’t be fooled by its size. We all know how
ants can lift objects many, many times their own body weight. In much the same way, with a
capacity of just 1.4 litres, the TSI engine manages to do the work of a 2.5ℓ power plant.
“It accomplishes this feat by being very good at ‘efficiency’. ‘Efficiency’ basically refers
to how much air you can actually get into an engine compared to that engine’s static capacity.
More air means more power.”
SUPER CHARGED, TURBO CHARGED
Volkswagen’s TSI engine range includes smaller capacity twin-charged engines, as well as
larger capacity turbocharged engines. All TSI engines have a turbocharger but engines
with a higher output also have a supercharger.
Engine size vs. output
“The easiest way to get more air into an engine is to pressurise it with a special KILOWATTS
sort of pump and there are two types you can use: supercharger or turbocharger,” 75@5600
Dr Krebs points out.
77@5600
Turbochargers run off an engine’s exhaust gases, which means they
don’t sap engine power but cause a delay before the exhaust gas
pressure gets high enough to work the turbo, called turbo lag.
Superchargers, on the other hand, run directly on engine power TORQUE
so they work immediately but constantly soak up engine power, 148@3800
making them less efficient.
175@ 1550-4100
“The best solution is combining the advantages of both
supercharger and turbocharger, which effectively removes
their disadvantages. That’s exactly what some TSI
engines do. They use a supercharger for low engine COMBINED FUEL CONSUMPTION
revs and a turbocharger when it gets to higher revs.” 7.1ℓ/km
4.9ℓ/km
PACKS A PUNCH
The TSI engine is a bit like a short stick of
dynamite. It may be inconspicuous, but it
has enough ‘bang’ to burn up the road.
Volkswagen 39
 TDI ENGINES ENSURE:
• Greater driving pleasure, excellent acceleration
values and above-average driving performance
• Direct injection with common rail systems and piezo
injectors for the most efficient injection pressures
• Multiple injection for optimised mixture formation and optimal
Volkswagen has moved from higher combustion processes
capacity engines of 1.6 litres into lower capacity • High overall efficiency through flexible injection times
engines of 1.2 litres. Despite a smaller engine, it • Exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry
still boasts a similar power output without adding a for high charge pressures through the entire rpm range
supercharger engine. It increases your car’s power and • Effective offset of turbo lag AWARD-WINNING EXCELLENCE
provides this power at lower revs. • Superb engine output Since TSI’s global launch, the revolutionary new Volkswagen 118kW 1.4 TSI
Perhaps one of the best things about the TSI engine, is its • Generous torque curve engine has earned its right as a champion. TSI has been awarded:
dislike of petrol stations. While you get a better performing engine, • Refined power development • Winner of the Auto Motor und Sport ‘Paul Pietsch Prize’
fuel consumption is significantly lower, reducing CO2 emissions and • Comfort through smooth running • ‘Innovation Award’ from Popular Science magazine
helping pave the way to a greener future. • Lowest consumption rates • ‘Best New Engine’ in the International Engine of the Year Awards 2006
• Considerable reduction of emissions • Winner of International Engine of the Year 2009
1.4ℓ VERSUS 1.6ℓ TSI • Effective diesel particulate filters • Winner of Best Green Engine 2009
When it comes to the 1.4ℓ 90kW TSI engine with twin-charging versus the 1.2ℓ 77kW • High efficiency with greater power • Winner of Best Engine in the 1.0 to 1.4 litre category 2009 - 2012
TSI engine with turbocharger both have their advantages. The special concept behind the Using twin-charging technology to optimise power and performance, and at the
• Long intervals between servicing
1.4ℓ TSI is the combination of direct petrol injection, dual-charging and downsizing. or maintenance same time reducing fuel consumption and emissions, it’s no surprise that a panel of
With twin-charging, the engine is charged by a mechanical compressor and/or a • Innovative and future-proof 65 automotive journalists from around the world all agreed Volkswagen’s TSI engine
turbocharger. Downsizing is replacing a large-capacity engine with a power plant with smaller technologies with more is not only the best engine in the world, but also the best engine for the world.
displacement and/or fewer cylinders. This reduces the internal friction and the fuel consumption
without the power or torque being reduced.
The 1.2ℓ 77kW TSI, on the other hand, replaces the 1.6ℓ 75kW engine with intake manifold
injection. Compared with the latter this engine achieves significantly better performance
with significantly reduced fuel consumption and therefore lower CO2 emissions.

TO NEW HEIGHTS
Thunderstorms, deserts and wilderness, the Highveld boasts some of the most
spectacular scenery and terrain but also some of the toughest. Volkswagen has
subjected the TSI engine to over 50 000 hours of torturous testing to ensure
maximum reliability. It also handles high altitude conditions with ease.
A naturally aspirated engine (no turbocharger) loses between 10% and
17% of its claimed power in high altitude conditions; this is especially
applicable to vehicles sold on the Highveld where altitudes range
from 1 500 metres to 2 100 metres above sea level. The air is
thinner at high altitudes therefore the airflow into the engine is
also less dense than at sea level, and less effective at burning
fuel. This means less power and torque.

VOLKSWAGEN’S TSI RANGE

GOLF 7
1.2 BMT 6spd Manual 75kW
1.4 TSI Trendline BMT 6spd Manual 90kW
1.4 TSI Comfortline BMT 6spd Manual 90kW
1.4 TSI Comfortline BMT 7spd DSG 90kW
2.0 TDI Comfortline 5spd Manual 81kW
1.4 TSI Highline BMT 6spd Manual 103kW
2.0 TDI Highline BMT 6spd DSG 110kW
2.0 TSI Sport & Style DSG 155kW
GOLF VI CABRIOLET
1.4 TSI Comfortline 90kW
1.4 TSI Comfortline DSG 90kW
1.4 TSI Highline 118kW
1.4 TSI Highline DSG 118kW
2.0 TSI GTI DSG 155kW
1.4 TSI Highline man 118kW
2.0 TSI Sportline man 155kW
BEETLE
1.2 TSI Design Manual 77kW
1.4 TSI Sport Manual 118kW
1.4 TSI Sport DSG 118kW
TIGUAN
1.4 TSI Trend & Fun 4x2 BMT 90kW
2.0 TDI Trend & Fun 4x2 BMT 81kW
1.4 TSI Trend & Fun 4x2 BMT 118kW
1.4 TSI Trend & Fun 4x2 BMT DSG 110kW
1.4 TSI Trend & Fun 4x4 118kW
2.0 TDI Track & Field DSG 103kW
2.0 TDI Sport & Style DSG 103kW
SCIROCCO
1.4 TSI Highline man 118kW
2.0 TSI Sportline man 155kW
2.0 TSI Sportline DSG 155kW
TOUAREG
3.6 V6 FSI Tipt 206kW
3.0 V6 TDI BMT Tipt 180kW
3.0 V6 TDI BMT Tipt with Terrain Tech 180kW
4.2 V8 TDI Tipt 250kW
JETTA
1.2 TSI Trendline 77kW
1.4 TSI Trendline 90kW
1.4 TSI Comfortline 90kW
1.4 TSI Comfortline DSG 90kW
1.6 TDI Comfortline 77kW
1.6 TDI Comfortline DSG 77kW
1.4 TSI Highline 118kW
2.0 TDI Highline 103kW
CC
2.0 TDI BMT DSG 125kW
2.0 TDI BMT DSG 130kW
2.0 TSI DSG 155kW
3.6 FSI V6 DSG 4Motion 220kW
PASSAT Caravelle 2.0 BiTDI DSG 4MOTION 132kW
1.8 TSI Comfortline 118kW
1.8 TSI Comfortline DSG 118kW
2.0 TDI Comfortline 103kW
2.0 TDI Comfortline DSG 103kW
CADDY
1.6i Trendline 75kW
2.0 TDI Trendline 81kW
Maxi 2.0 TDI Trendline 81kW
Maxi 2.0 TDI Trendline DSG 103kW
T5
Kombi 2.0 TDI SWB 75kW
Kombi 2.0 TDI SWB 103kW
Kombi 2.0 TDI LWB 75kW
Caravelle 2.0 BiTDI 132kW
Caravelle 2.0 BiTDI DSG 132kW
Kombi 2.0 TDI LWB 103kW
Kombi 2.0 TDI LWB DSG 103kW
T5 CALIFORNIA BEACH
2.0 BiTDI 4MTO 132kW
2.0 BiTDI 4MTO DSG 132kW
NEW POLO HATCH
Polo 1.2 TDI BlueMotion 55kW
Polo 1.4 TSI GTI DSG 132kW
NEW POLO SEDAN
Polo 1.4i Trendline 63kW
Polo 1.4i Comfortline 63kW
Polo 1.6i Trendline 77kW
Polo 1.6i Comfortline 77kW
Polo 1.6i Comfortline Tipt 77kW
Polo 1.6 TDI Comfortline 77kW
NEW CROSS POLO
Cross Polo 1.6 77kW
Cross Polo 1.6 TDI 77kW
NEW POLO HATCH
Polo 1.4i Trendline 63kW
Polo 1.4i Comfortline 63kW
Polo 1.6i Trendline 77kW
Polo 1.6i Comfortline 77kW
Polo 1.6i Comfortline Tipt 77kW
Polo 1.6 TDI Comfortline 77kW
POLO VIVO SEDAN
Polo Vivo 1.4 Base 55kW
Polo Vivo 1.4 Blueline 55kW
Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline 63kW
Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline Tipt 63kW
Polo Vivo 1.6 Base 77kW
Polo Vivo 1.6 Trendline 77kW
POLO VIVO HATCH
Polo Vivo 1.4 2-dr Base 55kW
Polo Vivo 1.4 Base 55kW
Polo Vivo 1.4 Zest 55kW
Polo Vivo 1.4 BlueLine 55kW
Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline 63kW
Polo Vivo 1.4 Trendline Tipt 63kW
Polo Vivo 1.6 Base 77kW
Polo Vivo 1.6 Trendline 77kW
Polo Vivo 1.6 GT 77kW
Polo Vivo 1.6 Maxx 77kW
TOURAN
1.2 TSI Trendline manual 77kW
2.0 TDI Trendline manual 81kW
2.0 TDI Trendline DSG 81kW
1.4 TSI Highline manual 103kW

40 Volkswagen BMT – BlueMotion Technologies / DSG – Direct Shift Gearbox / TSI – Turbo Stratified Injection / TDI – Turbo Diesel Injection Volkswagen 41