What drives most people to buy diesel-powered cars is of course fuel economy. According to Mr. St-Pierre, the new 2.0L TDI should have similar ratings than the current 1.9L engine: 6.8 L/100 km in the city and 5.1 L/100 km on the highway with the automatic transmission.
You're probably wondering: where's the improvement if fuel economy is somewhat the same? Well, the new TDI generates 140 horsepower and 235 lb-ft or torque compared to 100 horsepower and 177 lb-ft for the 1.9L unit. Moreover, with the added displacement come four valves per cylinder (instead of only two), for a total of 16 valves. And let's not forget the new common rail injection system with Piezo injectors, a technology which allows, among other things, a more efficient diesel combustion and reduced toxic emissions. The power increase is also the result of these advanced injectors.
For those already drooling, the new TDI will arrive in dealerships next spring. It will be available with the Jetta sedans and wagons only, coupled with the aforementioned 6-speed DSG gearbox. While pricing has yet to be announced, expect it to be higher that the current 1.9L TDI, which requires a premium of $1,775.
Wrap-up
Let's make things clear once and for all: diesel no longer means irritating noise, awful smell and black sooty smoke. With this new engine, VW now has stronger arguments to convince consumers of the benefits of using diesel. However, fuel economy (the major selling card of diesel fuel) will remain slightly unchanged. It's a shame considering all the improvements made. Is neglecting fuel economy in favor of performance and quietness a wise decision? Time will tell...
photo:Mathieu Lapointe
You're probably wondering: where's the improvement if fuel economy is somewhat the same? Well, the new TDI generates 140 horsepower and 235 lb-ft or torque compared to 100 horsepower and 177 lb-ft for the 1.9L unit. Moreover, with the added displacement come four valves per cylinder (instead of only two), for a total of 16 valves. And let's not forget the new common rail injection system with Piezo injectors, a technology which allows, among other things, a more efficient diesel combustion and reduced toxic emissions. The power increase is also the result of these advanced injectors.
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For those already drooling, the new TDI will arrive in dealerships next spring. It will be available with the Jetta sedans and wagons only, coupled with the aforementioned 6-speed DSG gearbox. While pricing has yet to be announced, expect it to be higher that the current 1.9L TDI, which requires a premium of $1,775.
Wrap-up
Let's make things clear once and for all: diesel no longer means irritating noise, awful smell and black sooty smoke. With this new engine, VW now has stronger arguments to convince consumers of the benefits of using diesel. However, fuel economy (the major selling card of diesel fuel) will remain slightly unchanged. It's a shame considering all the improvements made. Is neglecting fuel economy in favor of performance and quietness a wise decision? Time will tell...
photo:Mathieu Lapointe
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