The first production engine, which also has direct injection, with this concept was a 1.4-litre TSI 4-cylinder unit and VW's announcement made comparison to the Golf 2-litre FSI engine to emphasize just how impressive the gains were. From a displacement 30% less than the FSI engine (non-turbo), the TSI engine could develop 14% more power and 20% more torque. And if the driver could resist enjoying the high performance all the time and drive in a 'normal' way, then the fuel consumption would be 5% less than that of the 2-litre engine. Sounds great, doesn't it?
Traditionally, a car with a more powerful engine would cost more so you would imagine a VW with the TSI engine should be rather expensive. But the good news is that being among the largest carmakers in the world, VW can exploit its economies of scale and moderate costs so that more customers can enjoy such technology. That plus the fact that in countries like Malaysia, smaller engine cars are also subject to lower import tax, helping to keep the retail price down.
It's understandable that after the TSI models (starting with the Golf GT 1.4) went on sale, demand was very high. VW couldn't get produce the new engines fast enough so markets like Malaysia had to wait. Of course, part of the delay was also due to the need to carry out tests in local conditions to ensure that there were no problems and to tune the engine to suit local fuel which is of a lower grade than what is sold in Europe.
Now the wait is over and this weekend, the first TSI model is in VW showrooms nationwide. It's the Golf 1.4 TSI and the pricetag is RM156,758, excluding insurance. Because the engine is 1390 cc, the annual roadtax is just RM70! It's reminiscent of the days when the rotary-engined Mazda RE -- with a 130 bhp output that was the same as a 2-litre Alfa Romeo Berlina -- had very low roadtax because its engine displacement was calculated at 1161 cc.
Depending on the country, the actual output of the engine will vary due to the fuel quality. Though the engine runs fine on RON95, our fuel quality is only up to Euro-2M level at this time whereas fuels sold in Europe are already 3 steps ahead. So some adjustment has had to be made for the engine to run well in Malaysia and as a result, it appears that the output is slightly less than the one in the European market. According to the Malaysian spec sheet, the maximum power output is 160 ps, whereas the European spec is 168 hp.
Torque is really impressive at 240 Nm (same as the European spec) and with the two compressors providing boost from low revs to high revs, you get a flat torque curve that is rather like a diesels. Peak torque is generated from as low as 1500 rpm and you have all 240 Nm available till 4500 rpm.
For less than RM160,000, VW also gives you the a 7-speed DSG transmission.
Source: Autocar Asean & Motor Trader
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