One of VW’s most, if not the most, popular petrol engines in its European range, the 115Hp 1.6-liter FSI, is soon to be replaced by the company’s new 122Hp 1.4-litre TSI. Based on the 1.4-litre TSI that combines a supercharger and a turbocharger (available in 140Hp and 170Hp guises), the new unit uses just a turbocharger. The new engine is planned to be fitted to the Golf, Golf Plus, Golf Estate, Jetta and Passat models, replacing the current 1.6-litre FSI when production commences later this year. The 122Hp 1.4 TSI will also be available with VW’s brand new 7-Speed DSG gearbox. The new seven-speed system – a world first and codenamed DQ200 –uses a pair of dry clutches in preference to the six-speed version’s twin wet clutches. According to VW, this increases efficiency and performance over the wet clutch six-speed system. Interestingly enough, for the first time, the DSG gearbox has been mounted transversely. Thanks to its compact proportions (369 mm in length and weighing just 79 kg / 174 lbs), it can be applied to models from the Polo right up to the Passat and, in its current form, it is capable of coping with power outputs of up to 170 PS and 184 lbs ft of torque. -Continued below
Both the 122Hp 1.4 TSI and the new 7-Speed DSG will also be available in the Seat Leon / Altea range, while Skoda will probably have to wait until next year to get the new powertrain option.
