What does 'TDI' diesel stand for?
Volkswagen TDI, or ‘Turbo Direct Injection’, is the Volkswagen Group’s brand for its turbo diesel powered engines. A TDI diesel engine does not use a spark plug, but instead relies on the heat generated from a highly compressed fuel / air mixture to ignite it. This also means that a TDI diesel engine is more efficient, therefore requiring less fuel than an equivalent sized petrol engine. By using additional technologies such as Pumpe Düse injectors, intercoolers and variable vane turbo chargers to provide high levels of performance and driving enjoyment.

What are the key benefits of TDI diesel?
1 - Performance
Volkswagen TDI diesel engines are characterised by relatively high levels of torque being available from very low revs. This torque, or ‘pulling power’, is what presses you into the back of your seat when you accelerate. This makes a vehicle much more ‘driveable’. For example, the Volkswagen 2.0 TDI diesel engine is capable of producing 320Nm of torque – levels more commonly associated with engines over 3.0L capacity.

2 - Fuel Economy
Volkswagen TDI diesel engines use much less fuel than an equivalent capacity petrol engine. This naturally reduces fuel related costs, but it also means increased convenience as you will not need to refuel your vehicle so often.

3 – Environment
A Volkswagen TDI diesel engine produces significantly less CO² emissions than a comparably sized petrol engine. This is of course reinforced by the fact that TDI diesel engines use less fuel at the same time, the effect on the environment is greatly reduced.

Is TDI diesel technology new?
No, Volkswagen has been making them for years! In 1989 the Volkswagen Group pioneered TDI diesel technology. Since 2001 in New Zealand alone, over 3,500 TDI diesel powered Volkswagen’s have been registered. There are many drivers out there already appreciating the benefits of TDI diesel technology.

Aren’t diesel’s loud, smokey and slow?
These three things are misconceptions about older diesel engines, in particular ones that have not been well maintained. A modern Volkswagen TDI diesel engine is generally as quiet as its petrol equivalent. Advanced turbo charger and transmission technology ensure that the performance of a Volkswagen TDI diesel is generally better than an equivalent petrol engine.

What is ‘Pumpe Düse’?
Pumpe Düse (‘pump injector’) combines the injector and pump into a single unit. This overcomes the problem of pressure loss in fuel lines. Each cylinder in the engine has its own Pumpe Düse unit which injects fuels directly into the combustion chamber at pressures of up to 30,000psi. This allows far more efficient air / fuel mix, precise fuel quantities and timings. These result in improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and substantially increased performance. Pumpe Düse technology is exclusive to the Volkswagen Group.

Are all Volkswagens available with TDI diesel?
In New Zealand, the following models are available with TDI diesel engines:
Polo - 1.4 TDI
Golf – 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI
Jetta – 2.0 TDI
Touran - 2.0 TDI
Passat – 2.0 TDI
Touareg – 2.5 R5 TDI, 3.0 V6 TDI and 5.0 V10 TDI
Phaeton – 3.0 V6 TDI
Caddy – 1.9 TDI
Transporter – 1.9 TDI and 2.5 TDI
Caravelle – 2.5 TDI
California – 1.9 TDI and 2.5 TDI

What is a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
A diesel particulate filter (DPF) significantly reduces harmful soot particles that result from the combustion process. The DPF is designed to capture harmful diesel soot as exhaust gases pass through it. The system has a passive and an active regeneration phase during which DPF is regenerated without the use of additives.

All Volkswagen passenger cars with a TDI diesel engine produced for New Zealand will progressively be fitted with a DPF as standard. All Volkswagen commercial vehicles meet strict EU4 emission standards.

What about Road User Charges (RUC’s)
In New Zealand all diesel powered vehicles must pay Road Users Charges (RUC’s) to assist in funding for roading. Please refer to the Land Transport NZ website for further information by clicking on the following link.

http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/commercial/ruc.html

For further news regarding Volkswagen TDI diesel refer to the following media releases: