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I have just read the review of this car in The Independent today. Sounds like some engine (170 bhp) but are there any drawbacks to having a supercharger and turbocharger? Is it all a bit too complex and likely to be a maintenance nightmare?
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Whilst I have no idea of the actual technical merit of the engine, I can't imagine VW would replace it's FSi technology (as TSi looks set to do) across such a large (and important/lucrative) section of its range (Golf, Golf Plus, Touran) without thoroughly testing it for longevity...especially when they've only just begun to recover their reliable image. The only thing I wondered was why it wasn't used in the Polo GTi as it seems eminently more efficient than the old 1.8T...haven't tried it but from what I've read, it certainly seems to be the perfect modern all-round engine...
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Can't imagine that TSi will replace the FSi range?
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I doubt it will completely, but the 1.4 TSi is the replacement engine for the 2.0 FSi already, and VW apparenly have large-scale plans to replace most FSi petrol petrols with smaller TSi'ed units where it's financially-viable to do so. The next Golf will apparently have quite an extensive TSi units according to Auto Express (they also reckon it's due in 2008, which would mean the mkV would only be around for 4 years, whcih is a bit fast...)
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Autocar tested this car a month or so ago and absolutely raved about it.
It's an astonishing engine. Propels the Golf to 60 in the mid-high 7's despite just 1.4 litres, yet combines the effortless torque of a diesel with the superior rev range, throttle response and refinement of a petrol engine.
Autocar got mid 40's mpg when cruising on the motorway, and their average throughout the test period, including all the performance tests and full bore acceleration runs was a very impressive 36 mpg. Apparently the 2.0TDI Golf under similar conditions managed 2 mpg more but when you consider the fuel price difference and the extra performance of the TSI, it's a great achievement.
If I actually liked the Golf, I would be tempted.
Cheers
DP
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I read somewhere that Glass's guide is predicting even lower depreciation than the equivalent diesel model, which they reckon is otherwise unheard of.
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but when you consider the fuel price difference >>
Diesel now the same price as petrol at a number of stations around me.
As for the TSi technology the stress on a small turbocharged engine is far more than will ever be experienced by a 2.0TDi unit. The smart 799cc is available with over 100 bhp, but there are some reliability issues especially with valves burning out and servicing every 9,000 miles is a must and it's not cheap. The Brabus forfour has a 1.5 turbo producing 170 bhp, but treat it badly and it won't last long.
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The Japanese have been producing high revving engines for decades and even the 999c 64bp (maximum allowed at the time) turbocharged and injected units used in some very small cars for at least 15 years have proved very trouble free.
Remember the Daihatsu Charade GT tddi as well? 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds which was quicker than the Golf GTi of the time.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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Yeah, underated car of its day the GT-ti, IIRC one of the first cars to have 100bhp/litre. Wonder how the Tsi will perform in larger capacity variants?
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Diesel now the same price as petrol at a number of stations around me. As for the TSi technology the stress on a small turbocharged engine is far more than will ever be experienced by a 2.0TDi unit. The smart 799cc is available with over 100 bhp, but there are some reliability issues especially with valves burning out and servicing every 9,000 miles is a must and it's not cheap. The Brabus forfour has a 1.5 turbo producing 170 bhp, but treat it badly and it won't last long.
There's still 2-3p a litre difference where I am, apart from the rip-off places who won't upgrade their signs to three digit prices and have stuck both at 99.9 Typical is 96.9 for 95 Unleaded and 98.9 for diesel.
I still think the idea has merit. If a petrol engine can be made to match a diesel's torque and economy (or near as possible), it wipes out two of the main selling points of a diesel in one stroke.
I wouldn't expect longevity issues with any mass produced car engine today if the service schedule is adhered to. Least of all from a "big" mass market company like VW.
Cheers
DP
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I wouldn't expect longevity issues with any mass produced car engine today if the service schedule is adhered to. Least of all from a "big" mass market company like VW.
Thanks - I needed a good laugh....
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When was the last time you heard of an engine that was inherently knackered before 100,000 miles+?
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DP
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=4&t=43...2
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A number of smart owners have suffered terminal engine failure at under 10,000 miles, never mind 100,000!
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www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?f=4&t=43...2
Fair comment, that does prove it happens, but the forum members reaction to it spoke volumes. A mixture of outrage and disbelief. That surely indicates how rare something like this is today.
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Lets hope that the Tsi isn't one of those engines that 'prefers' 98 RON like the FSi, as this could put off potential customers (not just the extra cost of 98, but in some towns, its not available at every station).
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Lets hope that the Tsi isn't one of those engines that 'prefers' 98 RON like the FSi, as this could put off potential customers (not just the extra cost of 98, but in some towns, its not available at every station).
Since fuel prices went wild I've been running my 1.6FSI exclusively on 95RON with little noticable dip in performance or economy.
Still averages ~40mpg with about 2/3rds town driving.
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Servicing interval needs to be considered. From reading forum posts about the A2, petrol versions need servicing about twice as often as diesel ones when on the VSI servicing regime. To make the TSi as economical as the diesel it will need similar servicing intervals. Anyone know what they are on the TSi? If they are more often than the diesel any financial gains made due to increased mpg are quickly lost.
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