Volkswagen’s unique 1.4-litre TSI engine has won the prestigious International Engine of the Year award for the second year in a row.  With over 40,000 TSI-powered vehicles sold throughout Europe in the last year the TSI system combines the seemingly contradictory virtues of frugal economy and high performance.

Its basis is a small capacity 1.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine fitted with both a supercharger and a turbocharger working in tandem.  The former supplies the low down power while the turbocharger delivers significant performance in the mid-range.

The engine made its debut in the Golf and has since been fitted to the Jetta and Touran models and is available in 140 PS or 170 PS guises with a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes.

Autocar recently reported that a new turbocharged TSI petrol engine, based around the award winning twincharger engine will soon be available for 2008 which will develop 122bhp along with 148lb ft of torque at an ultra-low 1500rpm.  This together with Volkswagens new 7-speed duel DSG gearbox will allow the Golf to achieve a combined average fuel consumption of 48mpg.