Volkswagen says its new 1.4-litre TSI engine with cylinder shut-off is a world-first for four-cylinder powerplants.
The new fuel-saving engine meets the upcoming EU6 emissions standard and is slated to start production next year.
Currently Volkswagen says the technology – which shuts-off two cylinders in low-medium engine loads – will save around 0.4l/100kms in fuel consumption. When start-stop technology - which cuts the engine entirely when in neutral - is added, consumption will drop by a further 0.6l/100kms.
According to Volkswagen in city driving the cylinder shut-off system could be active for up to 70 per cent of the daily commute. Governed by the throttle operation, the system detects if the driver is negotiating tight corners (like roundabouts) or pressing on over windy roads and does not activate – leaving the 1.4-litre engine to operate at full capacity.
