Volkswagen’s TSI technology is an integral part of Volkswagen India’s renewed strategy to improve the accessibility and offer better cost of ownership to customers. Here is what you need to know about this tech!
What does TSI mean?
Simply put, TSI stands for Turbocharged Stratified Injected. It is a combination of direct fuel injection technology and turbocharger technology that allows for smaller engines to deliver a greater power output while keeping fuel efficiency at an all-time high. It is what Volkswagen is using to spearhead its global right sizing efforts, as well as the push towards new technologies here in India.
How does a TSI engine work?
Volkswagen’s TSI engine runs a turbocharger system with a water-cooled intercooler that is independent of the engine cooling system. In a conventional petrol engine, the injector sends the fuel into the intake port and a mixture of air and fuel then flows into the combustion chamber. In a TSI engine, the injector directly charges fuel into the combustion chamber. What this allows for is that a higher pressure can be achieved in a much faster time which translates to improved driving dynamics. You don’t have to wait for the turbo to ‘spool up’ so to speak.
Volkswagen has also modified the design of the intake port so there is a high flow rate, without affecting the quantity of the flow itself, while the swirling flow helps in ensuring a good air/fuel mixture to get more efficient combustion. The optimised pattern of injection also ensures that all load and speed conditions can be met with the least amount of fuel, thus improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing on performance one bit.
Built to deliver a higher torque output also means that regardless of the gear you are in, the response to the accelerator pedal being pressed is almost instantaneous. Being small capacity engines has resulted in less frictional loss which has a positive effect on both the performance of the vehicle as well as fuel efficiency resulting in a fun-to-drive experience for Volkswagen owners.
What is the benefit of TSI Technology?
This cutting edge technology has been brought about by the need to downsize yet retain the thrill of driving. After all, one of Volkswagen’s brand pillars is ‘Fun to Drive’ and to retain that in a day and age of reducing emissions and increasing efficiency meant that engines had to get smaller. With TSI technology that is possible as these engines deliver a higher torque output as well as higher horsepower from small volume engines without sacrificing on fuel efficiency. It is the best of all the worlds if you ask us!
Key traits of a TSI engine
The first thing that grabs your attention when you get behind the wheel of a TSI-engined Volkswagen is the sporty exhaust note. The engine sounds bigger than it is and it lives up to that aura the minute you step on the accelerator! Despite their small capacity, these engines are known for their low-end torque which is unique when you take into consideration the fact that most turbocharged engines have struggled with getting this right. Take any TSI model for a spin and you will feel this. The power is right there where you need it and the engine seems to have the ability to keep pulling forward as you race into three digit speeds. The peppy nature is a TSI trait that you won’t forget.
Surprisingly, Volkswagen has been able to achieve this thanks to their knowledge in making great diesel engines! That’s right, their TDI engines in a way paved the path forward for TSI engines to do their thing. These engines run a higher pressure injection and come with a rather sophisticated intercooling system that allows them to perform in the manner that they do.
It is said that the TSI family of engines can easily outperform bigger displacement engines thanks to their intricate engineering and the icing on the cake is the fact that they are built to be extremely efficient as well. The small displacement and cutting edge engineering technology ensures that you have reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
Volkswagen India’s TSI Fleet
Tiguan Allspace – 2.0l TSI engine mated to a 7-speed DSG 4MOTION transmission. The carline delivers a peak power of 190PS@4200 rpm and a torque of 320Nm@1500-4100rpm while being fuel efficient
T-Roc – 1.5l (EVO) that delivers 150 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The carline provides a power of 150PS@5000–6000 rpm and torque of 250Nm@1500 – 3500 rpm.
Polo 1.0L TSI – 1.0l TSI engine mated to 6-speed gearbox can generate a peak power of 110 PS delivering 175Nm of torque. Manual transmission provides a fuel efficiency of 18.24 kmpl and the automatic transmission provides a fuel efficiency of 16.47 kmpl.
Vento 1.0L TSI – 1.0l TSI engine mated to 6-speed gearbox can generate peak power of 110 PS delivering 175Nm of torque. Manual transmission provides a fuel efficiency of 17.69 kmpl and the automatic transmission provides a fuel efficiency of 16.35 kmpl.
The next TSI coming to India
Volkswagen India is gearing up to launch the Taigun SUV in India this year. Showcased at the Auto Expo in 2020, it was one of the showstoppers and it has all the traits you would expect from a quality product rolling out of the Volkswagen factory. Powering the Taigun will be a 1.5 litre TSI engine that further Volkswagen’s aim is to democratize its globally renowned TSI technology and showcase the marvel of German engineering in petrol engines across segments that bring reliability and a bespoke driving experience to customers.