6th March, 2005

Volkswagen Group Australia has launched the all-new Golf range with a choice of two turbo diesel engines, allowing Volkswagen to offer its most affordable diesel passenger vehicle in the Australian market to date.

The 2.0-litre TDI four-valve unit direct injection turbo-diesel engine provides 103kW of power at 4000 rpm and a massive 320Nm of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. The other engine is the 1.9-litre TDI (77kW @4000 rpm/250Nm @ 1900 rpm).

Why the option of diesel? Because simply Volkswagen excels in this area of engine technology (no better example than the V10 TDI diesel powerplant in the Touareg 4WD) – the company manufactured more than 2 million diesel-powered passenger cars last year.

2.0-litre TDI - four-valve diesel

Volkswagen’s all-new 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel delivers 103kW of power at 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 320Nm between just 1750 rpm and 2500 rpm.

In Europe, the world’s toughest diesel passenger car market, this engine is the new trendsetter in terms of agility, comfort and economy.

It comes with a choice of either six-speed manual or Volkswagen’s world-acclaimed six-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG).

The dynamic new Golf 2.0-litre TDI sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 9.3 seconds and on average uses just 5.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (according to ADR 81/01 methods). Overall fuel consumption is about 8 per cent lower than a similar two-valve design engine.

German customers enjoy a tax advantage with this engine as it is a particularly clean diesel that complies with the EU4 standard.

Significantly, the 2.0-litre TDI is Volkswagen’s first turbo diesel to have its innovative unit direct injection system supplemented by four-valve technology.

It has two overhead camshafts; the valve gear features low friction roller rocker fingers with hydraulic backlash compensation; the unit injection elements are actuated via roller-rocker arms by the exhaust camshaft. The turbocharger uses variable turbine geometry for maximum efficiency.

The transverse-flow cylinder head has two tangential intake ports per cylinder and a ‘rotated valve star’ – the term for the special arrangement of the four valves in relation to the crankshaft which delivers the most favourable port geometry possible, complete with an optimum combination of swirl and cylinder fill.

A crucial role in delivering optimum exhaust emissions (EU4) is performed by the centrally positioned 6-hole nozzle with tapered, flow-optimised injection holes. And the central combustion chamber recess incorporates new emission-optimised geometry.

To further reduce nitrogen oxides, Volkswagen uses an EGR cooler (EGR = Exhaust Gas Recirculation) which is of switchable design with regard to the optimum response of the two-way oxidation catalytic converter. An electronic throttle valve helps in calculating the exact quantity of exhaust gas recirculation.

Also developed for this remarkable new engine is a new generation of unit injection elements characterised by their very compact design, moderately increased partial load injection pressure and measures for effectively reducing the injection noise. Minimised injection noise is a major factor in the overall quality feel of this engine.

Other initiatives aimed at noise reduction include acoustically optimized pistons, cylinder head stiffened both longitudinally and transversally and a noise attenuated toothed belt guard.

And in this diesel engine for the new millennium, there is no long pre-heating when starting the engine cold. Volkswagen’s innovative quick-start system features a temperature-controlled metal sheathed-element glow plug which operates in conjunction with a special ignition spray sequence in the injectors to provide Volkswagen TDI engines with the best cold start and cold running properties of any passenger car diesel engine.

With previously unheard-of low levels of NVH, superb driving dynamics, EU4-standard emissions and staggeringly low levels of fuel consumption, it’s no wonder the new Golf 2.0-litre TDI is Europe’s benchmark hatchback…and a car all Australians should think about seriously.

1.9-litre TDI – small diesel, big driving enjoyment

Like its bigger stable mate, Volkswagen’s 1.9-litre TDI is a diesel engine for the new millennium – it bristles with state-of-the-art technology and is precisely the sort of powerplant favoured by many savvy European drivers and one responsible Australians should consider.

Developing 77kW of power at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 250Nm from as low as 1900 rpm, the 1.9TDI is both agile and economical (average fuel consumption according to ADR 81/01 methods is 5.5l/100 kms) giving approximately 100kms between tanks.

The 1.9-litre engine shares the diesel quick-start system of Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre TDI allowing the driver to start the engine immediately, even in cold weather, without noticeable pre-heating.

And – like the 2.0-litre TDI – this engine features a two-way oxidation catalytic converter and complies with EU4 emissions standards.

Other features include: a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, a charge air cooler, an EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler, an electronically actuated regulating flap and unit injection elements with special tapered injection holes.

And – also like the 2.0-litre TDI – Golf customers choosing the 1.9 TDI can opt for either a six-speed manual transmission or Volkswagen’s sensational 6-speed DSG automatic.

Golf Diesel prices (RRP manual/automatic)

• 1.9 TDI Trendline    from $27,990 / $30,290
• 1.9 TDI Comfortline from $29,990 / $32,290
• 2.0 TDI Comfortline from $32,490 / $34,790

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