VW Jetta goes TSI

Volkswagen Jetta TDICharged: Jetta gets a 118kW version of the 125kW Golf GT supercharged and turbocharged engine.

Charged: Jetta gets a 118kW version of the 125kW Golf GT supercharged and turbocharged engine.

Volkswagen slips its superb twin-charge engine into the Jetta sedan

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS 20 August 2008

A SWITCH in production from Mexico to South Africa has resulted in a specification change for the Volkswagen Jetta in Australia, including the introduction of a 118kW variation of the 1.4-litre supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

The TSI engine first appeared in 125kW form in the Golf GT and in the Jetta it replaces the normally-aspirated 110kW 2.0-litre FSI four-cylinder petrol unit.

It also sees the Australian-first release of the new seven-speed DSG dual-clutch manual gearbox in a Volkswagen.

Volkswagen says there is no price change between the 2.0-litre FSI and 1.4-litre TSI unit, although buyers will be charged $2500 for the new DSG gearbox – representing a $200 jump over the previous six-speed automatic transmission charge.

This move sees the TSI as the Jetta’s entry-level model, followed by the 103kW 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel, with the high-performance 147kW 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged version remaining as the range-topper.