What does TSI mean in Volkswagen?
If you’re on the market for a Volkswagen, it’s likely you’ve come across some TSI models – but what does it stand for?
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What's a TSI engine in Volkswagen?
‘TSI’ stands for Turbocharged Stratified Injection and is a type of turbocharged petrol engine that Volkswagen produces.
Based on the TFSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection), the TSI model is upgraded to improve reliability and everyday drivability.
These upgrades are pretty technical, but include things like an extra oxygen sensor, an upgraded high-pressure fuel pump, and a redesigned engine cover and airbox.
TSI engines are popular on used Volkswagen models like the Golf, Tiguan and Passat, but can also be found in other models like the Skoda Fabia and SEAT Leon. Plug-in hybrid models in the Volkswagen Group also feature the TSI engine.
What is it like to drive?
The way the TSI engine feels to drive will depend on the specific model you have, as there’s some variation with engine types.
The main benefit of a TSI engine is that it’s a smaller setup that still maintains impressive performance, utilising low-end torque and power.
Low-end torque is usually better for daily driving as it makes more torque available at lower revs and doesn’t need to be at a high revolutions per minute (RPM) rate to accelerate.
This means that the car will be able to accelerate quicker and won’t take as long to reach safe driving speeds.
Low-end torque is also more beneficial for driving in hilly areas and will give you a wider ratio between gears.
You’ll likely find you won't need to change gears to accelerate as well, so it’s ideal for safe overtaking.
Which models have the TSI?
While TSI engines are a product of the Volkswagen Group, they’re not just restricted to VW models.
The VW Polo, Golf and Touareg all get TSI engine options, but so do the SEAT Ibiza, Leon, Arona and Tarraco.
In the Skoda lineup, the Octavia, Superb and Fabia all have TSI engine options as well.
A three-cylinder 1.0-litre TSI engine is available in the Volkswagen T-Cross, Skoda Fabia, Volkswagen Golf and SEAT Arona.
There’s also a choice of larger 1.5- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines that are available in the VW Golf and Golf GTI, VW Tiguan and Skoda Superb.
There’s also a plug-in hybrid model that used a four-cylinder 1.4-litre engine and is offered on the VW Passat and Golf models that are badged as ‘GTE’.
The largest TSI engine on offer is currently available in the Volkswagen Touareg SUV and is a 3.0-litre V6 setup.
Fuel efficiency and affordability
TSI models can be more efficient and this is one of the main benefits of the range, but it’s also dependent on how you drive.
Miles-per-gallon figures are impressive from TSI models but do start to fall short when you look at the chunky V6 setups. In fact, you can expect up to 25.6mpg in a VW Touareg, according to official WLTP figures.
Smaller cars like the Volkswagen Polo get a 1.0-litre TSI engine setup, and in this model, it feels easy to drive and surprisingly nippy.
It holds its own on motorway drives and short trips around town, claiming up to 67.3mpg from the 1.0 TSI BlueMotion model (NEDC figures).
A slightly larger option is the Volkswagen Golf with a choice of TSI engines. The 1.5-litre TSI offers up to 54.3mpg, while the 1.0-litre TSI offers up to 54.7mpg.
While being efficient models, they’re still fun to drive in the classic way you expect of a VW Golf.
Affordability will also depend on the exact model you choose, but you won’t usually find TSI models to be more expensive than their TDI equivalent.
It’s worth taking a look at our used TSI models to see what we currently have in stock and how these are priced.
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How does the TSI differ from the TDI?
TDI is another type of Volkswagen engine and stands for ‘Turbo Diesel Engine’. These models are usually pricier than TSI engines and use diesel instead of petrol.
You might find that a TDI engine is better for you if you regularly go on long trips or travel on the motorway.
They’re efficient models that are also reliable, often needing little maintenance when compared to other engine types.
TSI engines will be most fuel-efficient in urban areas and are ideal if most of your driving is carried out around town.
They also usually provide better performance than TDI engines, thanks to their quick acceleration and lightweight build.
Now you know what TSI means in VW!
TSI engines are a compact option for high power while using less fuel. They’re popular in Volkswagen models but appear in many cars across the VW Group, so you can find them at different price points.
You can imagine TSI setups to be a blend of TDI and FSI (Fuel Stratified Direct Injection), providing instant acceleration for safe overtaking and larger gear ratios.
If you want an efficient car that’s nippy and doesn’t glug through fuel, a TSI model might be an ideal option.