Volkswagen announced the latest development in its petrol powertrains, with the latest 1.5 TSI evo2 bringing higher efficiency and lower emissions. The cleaner engine will be introduced in the facelifted T-Roc and T-Roc Cabriolet SUVs, before finding its way into numerous models from different brands of the VW Group.
The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder
TSI evo2 engine produces 148 hp, a figure identical to its
predecessor. However, VW said that further variants will follow hinting at
different power outputs. In plug-in hybrid guise, the 1.5 TSI evo2 in
combination with electric motors can produce up to 268 hp.
The engine is also designed to be compatible with “fuels with renewable
content”, which probably hints at the CNG-powered TGI variant. VW didn’t
specify the reduction in emissions and fuel consumption over the previous 1.5
TSI. The three-way catalytic converter and petrol particulate filter have been
moved into a single emission control module close to the engine. This brings
reduced use of precious metals in production and allows the engine to be
compliant with stricter emission standards in the future such as Euro 7.
The Active Cylinder Management system has
been upgraded to the new ACTPlus, improving activation/deactivation of the two
cylinders when full power is not needed. Also, the combustion process in the
two-cylinder mode has been optimized, and can now run for prolonged periods of
time. The Miller-cycle engine uses the same TSI-evo combustion process as its
predecessor, but combustion chamber cooling has been further optimized. It also
features a VTG variable turbocharger, a high-pressure injection system, and
pistons with integrated cooling ducts.
Thomas Ulbrich, member of the board of management of VW who is responsible for technical development, said: “The 1.5 TSI is a key pillar of the Volkswagen engine range because it powers many models worldwide, from the T-Cross through to the Passat Variant. We have continuously enhanced the compact four-cylinder unit. It now offers significant fuel consumption benefits and a very dynamic response. The highlights of the latest version include Active Cylinder Management ACTplus, an emission control module close to the engine and the modern TSI-Evo combustion process.”
