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Volkswagen Launches New 1.4 TSI in the US, Replaces 2-Liter on Jetta

The makers of the Beetle and Jetta have finally brought one of their smallest engines to US consumers. We are talking about the EA211-family 1.4-liter TSI, featuring turbocharging and direct technology. It's small, but it packs a punch similar to a 2-liter.
Volkswagen Launches New 1.4 TSI in the US, Replaces 2-Liter on Jetta 1 photo
Photo: Volkswagen
And that's exactly what VW will use the 1.4 TSI for: to replace the 2-liter with 115 horsepower on the basic Jetta. The bad news is they say it will also replace the 1.8 TSI on the Jetta S and SE, which is a real bummer.

EA211 is a series of small engines Volkswagen developed to work with all its MQB-based cars. Over in Europe, you can buy the same 1.4 TSI on the Audi A3, Q3, the Golf (not all version), Beetle and Scirocco, plus a bunch of Skodas and SEATs you don't know about.

This advanced little mill features lightweight aluminum construction, an integrated exhaust manifold (into the head), and a toothed-belt drive for its double overhead camshaft valvetrain that incorporates variable intake and exhaust timing.

Performance-wise, the 1.4 delivers 150 horsepower at 5,000rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque (250 Nm) at 1,400rpm. It should make the Jetta faster than your typical Honda Civic, but let's not forget Honda is planning to launch a 1.5 VTEC Turbo next year.

Gearbox options will include a 5-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Volkswagen says that up to 39 miles per gallon will be achievable under good circumstances, which would make this a viable alternative to the TDI. The 1.4 TSI represents an improvement of 13 percent over the EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for the previous 2.0-liter engine and 7 percent over the 1.8T.

Joerg Sommer, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America said: “We are delighted that so many Volkswagen customers are now able to benefit from the performance and fuel-efficiency of our turbocharged and direct-injection engines, whether they choose TDI or TSI technology. Volkswagen leads the industry with implementation of these engines in North America and we are excited that we are furthering our leadership with the introduction of the latest-generation EA211 engine in the Jetta."

Our say: We love that the 2-liter is finally gone. For a German company that prides itself on offering state-of-the-art technology, that was an embracement. However, do we really need to replace the 1.8 TSI? A $18,000 Beetle with this 1.4 would be nice, though.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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