EVER wondered what sort of major strides manufacturers are making with engines?

CAME up with an interesting comparison the other day on the launch of the new Mk7 Volkswagen Golf that clearly shows the gap between efficient diesel technology and smaller engines is inexorably closing.

Drove two different Golf GT models on the day and the figures make interesting reading.

First up, the 2.0 TDI with DSG has a quoted power output of 150ps, top speed of 134mph, 0-62 of 8.6 seconds and a combined fuel figure of 62.8mpg. Its CO2 rating is 119g/km.

Switch to the 1.4 TSI engined Golf and you can clearly see the gap is closing. Far from being an underpowered poor relation, the TSI serves up 140ps, 131mph top speed, 0-62 in 8.4 seconds, and a combined fuel figure of 58.9. CO2 is 112g/km.

So not a lot of difference any more.

The only sizeable gap is in the price – £24,880 for the diesel, £22,960 for the TSI.

You pays your money and you takes your choice…..

wheelwrite 2013