German Car Zone

The TSI from Volkswagen - just one year on offer: More than 41,000 sold in Golf, Jetta & Touran models

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TSI stands for maximum power with minimum fuel consumption

140 PS TSI with the fuel economy and CO2 values of an 80 PS engine


Wolfsburg, 20 March 2007 - Maximum power at minimum fuel consumption: the TSI engines with twin charging have stood for this magic formula for more than a year. In this time, more than 41,000 Golfs, Jettas and Tourans have been delivered with TSI engines. So far, there are two versions of this engine, equipped with both a supercharger and a turbocharger. They develop 103 kW (140 PS or 138 bhp) and 125 kW (170 PS or 168 bhp) respectively. What is astounding is that the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a Golf, Jetta or Touran TSI with 140 PS are comparable to those of the 80 PS versions. And what’s more, they offer better driving performance. The newest model with TSI engines in its programme is the Golf Estate. Starting 1st June, this car will be on the streets in Germany. Initially the 140 PS TSI will power the Golf Estate, followed soon thereafter by the 170 PS TSI.


Volkswagen currently offers TSI engines in the Golf, Golf Plus, CrossGolf, Jetta and Touran. By the end of this year, the new Tiguan will also be starting with a version of the TSI engine. Even a natural-gas powered TSI is being tested on board a Passat – a reflection of the great potential of this unique new economical and "torquey" engine generation.

The basic technical characteristic of the TSI is downsizing. The displacement of the engine is frozen or even reduced because the clever charging system guarantees clean thrust and low costs. For example, a Touran with the 140 PS TSI consumes only 7.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (about 38 mpg). That’s why already ten percent of all Tourans of the current generation are being ordered with TSI engines. Because of their innovative design with 1.4 litre displacement plus supercharger and turbocharger, the TSI engines built for the Touran in the German engine factory in Chemnitz can be offered for about 1,600 euros less than diesel engines of comparable power. In the Golf, the TSI offers a price advantage of up to 2,500 euros.

The new powertrain era of the TSI engines began early in 2006. Since then, the TSI badge has developed into a synonym for "torquey", economical VW engines, as did the TDI, FSI and TSFI before it. The Golf GT was the first car in the world with a TSI. The Golf GTI’s "little brother" can claim 170 PS output and 240 Newton metres (about 177 pound feet) of torque with an average fuel economy of 7.2 litres per 100 km. The sporty Golf requires just 7.9 seconds to break the 100 kilometre per hour mark (about 61 mph) from a standing start; its top speed is 220 kilometres per hour (about 137 mph). A six-speed manual gearbox is standard in the Golf GT, while the ground-breaking dual clutch gearbox DSG is optionally available, as for all other TSI models as well. Furthermore, Volkswagens like the Golf GT with TSI prove that economy, sportiness and sovereignty do not mutually exclude each other. On the contrary: the thrust of the TSI, smoothly initiated by the supercharger and maintained by the turbocharger without fading over a broad range of engine speeds, just can't be offered in this form by any other engine design in the segment.

i did an interesting review of this and the BMW twinturbo last spring at college, it was for a technical english course, so it wasn't very detailed but it was interesting
i have huge respect for the technical aspects of these 2 engines

They're pricing the Golf GT here at ridiculous prices - for that money, you can get a decent GTI from a private dealer by topping up some cash.

Still, there's a lot of interest for the Golf GT. Rightfully too, who doesn't want good FC with power?