Tdi Diesel Engine Coming In 2010 For The Volkswagen Golf

For 2010, Volkswagen's compact hatchback changes its name from Rabbit to Golf, and a turbodiesel engine rejoins the lineup for the first time since 2006.

The Golf's standard engine is the same 2.5-liter inline five as last year's Rabbit. It has an aluminum head, an iron block, chain-driven dual overhead cams, and variable valve timing. Since 2008, it has been rated at 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.

The 2.5-liter engine gives the Golf reasonable performance, comparable to the big four-cylinder engines in competitors like the Mazda3. The inline five has a peculiar engine note, but in the new Golf, it is well suppressed. Fuel economy is average for the class; EPA ratings are 22/30 with manual transmission, 23/30 with automatic.

The new Golf Tdi uses the four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbodiesel added to the Jetta line last year. The 2.0-liter diesel is a 16-valve, DOHC engine, with an iron block and an aluminum head. It uses Volkswagen's common rail direct injection, which pumps fuel directly into the combustion chambers at extremely high pressure. The exhaust manifold incorporates an integral variable-geometry turbocharger, designed to minimize turbo lag. The results are 140 horsepower and an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque.

The TDI is not as powerful as the 2.5-liter gasoline engine, but it has much stronger mid-range performance and superior fuel economy. With EPA estimates of 30/41 with manual transmission, 30/42 with the DSG automatic, the TDI is actually thriftier than some smaller, gasoline-powered cars, like the Honda Fit and Scion xD.

While the diesel emits fewer greenhouse gases, it releases higher levels of smog-producing emissions. A particulate-trap filter and oxidization catalyst allow the TDI to meet EPA Bin 4 and California ULEV II standards, but its EPA Air Pollution score is only 7, compared to 9.5 for the 2.5-liter gasoline engine.

Ronald W Tanner is a contributing writer at SWEngines.com. He writes about Volkswagen Rabbit Engine and other industry specific topics.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com