Volkswagen TSI claims international Engine of the Year award

The TSI system combines the seemingly contradictory virtues of frugal economy and high performance. Its basis is a small capacity 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine fitted with both a supercharger and a turbocharger working in tandem. The former supplies the low down power that allows the 170 PS version fitted to Golf to sprint to 62 mph in only 7.7 seconds while the turbocharger delivers significant performance in the mid-range.

Graham Johnson, Managing Director, magazines, UKIP Media and Events commented: ‘The TSI engine impressed the judges greatly and represents a potentially very exciting future for small-capacity engines. Through the innovative use of both a supercharger and a turbocharger it proves that power and performance can be delivered without sacrificing economy.’

Proof of the strength and versatility of the engine lies in its adaption for racing in the Volkswagen Cup. Developing 230 PS in race trim the 1.4-litre TSI engine powering the Golf still returns in excess of 30 mpg.

In road trim the TSI engine delivers even greater efficiency. Despite the gains in power and performance the TSI engine, when applied to the Golf, is still capable of returning a combined fuel figure of 38.7 mpg while emitting 174 g/km of CO2.

The engine made its debut in the Golf and has since been fitted to the Jetta and Touran models and is available in 140 PS or 170 PS guises with a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes.

In presenting the honour Johnson said: ‘It’s the second year in a row the judges have awarded the TSI engine this top prize - we look forward to future generation TSI technologies that might be in store during the next 12-months.’

The International Engine of the Year Awards are organised each year by the UK’s largest group of technical car publications. The jury comprises of an international mix of 61 automotive journalists from 29 countries.

Source: Volkswagen (UK)