Volkswagen is already at the forefront of fuel-saving technology, as evidenced by both its production models and frugal concepts that we will see at the Frankfurt Motor Show. But now the German are taking another step forward by introducing a new technology: the first ever application of a cylinder-deactivation feature on a four-cylinder engine.
The system, which is usually reserved for larger engines but will now be offered on the 1.4-liter TSI, works by shutting off cylinders 2 and 3 when the engine operates in low to mid loads, and as a result, reduces average consumption by 0.4 lt/100 km.
When combined with the Auto Stop/Start system, the consumption drops by 0.6 lt/100 km compared to a standard TSI engine.
The greatest benefits in fuel saving are achieved at constant moderate speeds. For example, when driving at 50 km/h (mph) in 3rd or 4rth gear, fuel consumption is reduced by almost 1 lt/100 km.
The cylinder shut off is activated when the engine operates between 1,400 and 4,000 rpm and its torque is between 25 and 75 Nm (lb-ft).
When the accelerator pedal is pressed hard enough, the two cylinders that are idle are automatically reactivated.
The 1.4-liter TSI with cylinder shut-off system already meets Euro 6 emissions standards and will be available from the beginning of 2012.
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