- Volkswagen will continue to offer the 1.0 TSI engine in Europe.
- Construction was halted due to Euro 7, but the regulations have been relaxed.
- VW retains the three-cylinder engine in its smallest car.
Volkswagen Group is preparing to stop production of Audi’s inline five-cylinder engines in Europe due to stricter emissions regulations. However, rumors about the demise of other machines are greatly exaggerated. Although some reports claim that the smallest powertrain offered by the automotive conglomerate is still viable, the three-cylinder engine will not be retired.
In a statement to Motor1Head of Product Communications Stefan Voswinkel clarified that VW is not abandoning the EA 211 inline-three engine. When the first Euro 7 draft was published, development of the 1.0-liter engine was halted. However, the EU later agreed to looser laws, extending the life of the machines.
“Due to the very strict requirements in the initial draft of the new EU7 regulations, we decided first to stop the development of the EU7 on the 1.0-liter three-cylinder TSI engine. Regarding the final version of the EU7 legislation, we are investigating whether it makes sense to use this engine in smaller cars (such as the Polo or T-Cross) for some European markets.”
Photo by: Volkswagen
Meanwhile, the VW Group’s major brands have phased out three-cylinder engines from their compact cars. For several years, entry-level versions of the VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, SEAT Leon and even the luxury Audi A3 were offered with downsized units. Currently, it only survives on subcompact models such as the Polo, Fabia, Ibiza, and the soon-to-be-discontinued A1.
For the compact car, VW Group has replaced the three-cylinder engine with a detuned version of a larger 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit producing 114 hp. Adding a more powerful configuration yields 148 hp. Upscale versions of VW Group cars with transversely mounted engines use the larger 2.0-liter EA888 in a variety of conditions, peaking at 329 hp in the Golf R.
Although all of the powertrains mentioned are turbocharged, it may come as a surprise that naturally aspirated engines are still available in some markets. In its most basic form, the Skoda Fabia uses a 1.0-liter engine, skipping forced induction and producing 79 hp. By comparison, the turbocharged three-cylinder engine makes 94 hp or 114 hp, depending on model and trim level.
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Source: Volkswagen
Motorcycle Pickup1: Although three-cylinder engines typically have a bad reputation, the VW 1.0 TSI isn’t plagued by the reliability issues that other engines are. (cough, Stellantis 1.2 liter unit). While inherently less smooth than a four-cylinder engine, it’s more than adequate for a small car, providing excellent power while remaining highly efficient.
VW is smart about keeping its engines running. Without a 1.0 TSI in the lineup, customers would have to pay the premium associated with the larger 1.5 TSI of the same EA 211 family. Buyers of Polos and Fabias don’t really care what’s inside unless they’re shopping for a hot hatch like the Polo GTI or Fabia 130.
It cannot be denied that the time will come when the VW Group retires its three-cylinder engine, but it seems unlikely that Euro 7 will hasten its demise. It’s always good to have options. If you’re not a fan of this little engine, 1.5 TSI alternatives are widely available.
