VW adds twincharger to Golf, Jetta, Eos and Passat

via Channel4

The Volkswagen Golf, Golf Plus, Jetta, Eos and Passat are now available with the new 1.4 TSI petrol engine.

The TSI is VW's twincharger system that combines a supercharger (which kicks in at low speeds and from initial acceleration) and a turbocharger (at higher and cruising speeds) to boost engine power. Output is up to 122bhp - more than the 115bhp of the 1.6 FSI engine this unit replaces - with torque up 30% to 155lb-ft.

This downsized engine delivers downsized running costs, too, with reduced fuel consumption plus lower carbon dioxide emissions and thus less punitive tax bandings. The Golf 1.4 TSI, for example, returns 44.8mpg and 149g/km, compared to the outgoing 1.6 FSI's 42.2mpg and 161g/km.

Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or, from early next year, seven-speed DSG (Direct Shift) gearbox. Prices start from £14,152 (Golf 1.4 TSI manual three-door) with the Golf Plus 1.4 TSI from £15,302, Jetta 1.4 TSI from £14,952, Eos 1.4 TSI from £19,847 and Passat 1.4 TSI from £15,672. That's a small price rise over the 1.6 FSI, but in the Passat, an autohold function for the parking brake, previously a £50 option, is now standard-fit.