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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
By Vanessa Papas
F
or centuries conventional wisdom has “There’s a misconception that smaller engines equal less power. While the 1.4ℓ TSI engine
led us to believe ‘more is more’. While is very small in capacity relative to its output, don’t be fooled by its size. We all know how
that may ring true for many things in ants can lift objects many, many times their own body weight. In much the same way, with a
life, when it comes to Twitter updates, plastic capacity of just 1.4 litres, the TSI engine manages to do the work of a 2.5ℓ power plant.
surgery, carbon emissions or the size of your “It accomplishes this feat by being very good at ‘efficiency’. ‘Efficiency’ basically refers
car’s engine, less really is more. Turbo Stratified to how much air you can actually get into an engine compared to that engine’s static capacity.
Injection (TSI) engines embody this principle More air means more power.”
entirely and have proved to be a formidable
opposition to larger capacity engines. SUPER CHARGED, TURBO CHARGED
Lighter, smaller and leaner, TSI engines Volkswagen’s TSI engine range includes smaller capacity twin-charged engines, as well as
still deliver all the power and performance larger capacity turbocharged engines. All TSI engines have a turbocharger but engines
that consumers demand and more. Its secret with a higher output also have a supercharger.
Engine size vs. output
is reduced friction in a TSI engine, which in “The easiest way to get more air into an engine is to pressurise it with a special KILOWATTS
turn leads to a reduction in power loss. Being sort of pump and there are two types you can use: supercharger or turbocharger,” 75@5600
lighter, the engine also has less weight to Dr Krebs points out.
77@5600
shift in the car. Turbochargers run off an engine’s exhaust gases, which means they
don’t sap engine power but cause a delay before the exhaust gas
SMALLER ENGINE, MORE POWER pressure gets high enough to work the turbo, called turbo lag.
The worldwide trend in the motor industry is Superchargers, on the other hand, run directly on engine power TORQUE
making more with less. One innovative way of so they work immediately but constantly soak up engine power, 148@3800
doing this is producing engines that provide the making them less efficient.
175@ 1550-4100
same performance using fewer kilowatts. With “The best solution is combining the advantages of both
Formula One Racing setting the example at the supercharger and turbocharger, which effectively removes
highest class of competition, engine sizes are their disadvantages. That’s exactly what some TSI
getting smaller. The 2013 season is the final engines do. They use a supercharger for low engine COMBINED FUEL CONSUMPTION
year the series will use the current 2.4 litre V8 revs and a turbocharger when it gets to higher revs.” 7.1ℓ/km
engine. From 2014 a 1.6ℓ turbocharged V6 4.9ℓ/km
engine formula will replace it. PACKS A PUNCH
Dr Rudolf Krebs, Head of Volkswagen’s The TSI engine is a bit like a short stick of
engine development department, points out that dynamite. It may be inconspicuous, but it
being small has its evolutionary advantages. has enough ‘bang’ to burn up the road.
38 Volkswagen 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.
40 Volkswagen BMT – BlueMotion Technologies / DSG – Direct Shift Gearbox / TSI – Turbo Stratified Injection / TDI – Turbo Diesel Injection Volkswagen 41