VW shifts focus off dieselgate with new EA211 TSI

What’s this? A bigger engine replacing a smaller one? This is Volkswagen’s 1.5 TSI petrol engine codenamed EA211 and in the fullness of time will sideline the 1.4 TSI across the entire range. At this stage it seems likely that the facelifted Golf Mk7 (possibly due later this year) will shoulder the company’s expectations.

The more powerful and 2020 compliant EA211 is a 4-cylinder powerplant fitted with variable-geometry turbo charging, clever thermal management, an evolution of direct injection and a higher compression ratio. The technology is said to move the torque curve even lower down the rev range – Volkswagen claim that maximum torque will be on tap from 1300rpm whereas currently it’s around 1500rpm.

Cautious about making claims surrounding efficiency, the German carmaker has stuck to a figure of 10% cleaner than the 1.4 TSI – a feat made possible by the introduction of cylinder deactivation.

Keen to make amends on the diesel front, a new 1.5 TDI engine will follow shortly, relieving the current 1.6 TDI from duty. Unlike the petrol engine which is close to being ready, the diesel engine might only be signed off in time for the lighter and bigger Golf Mk8 due in 2018.

“The installation of the engine in cars like the Golf and A3 is very straightforward,” said a high-level VW source. “The engines are all new but their dimensions are very similar to what we currently use, so they can slot into existing cars or facelifts.”