Driving around these days, you see lots of badges on lots of cars that are intended to designate their engine type. Some of them are as simple as V6 or V8, but often, they’re more complicated. We at Volkswagen are certainly “guilty” of not always making our nomenclature as simple as it could be. Stop by one of our dealers and you’re as likely to see a 2.0T or VR6® as you are a simple V8. But one designation that may confuse even the most knowledgeable gearhead also happens to be one of our most popular types: the TDI® engine.
TDI models feature a turbocharged clean diesel engine with direct injection. But that’s actually a description of how it works. What it truly means is that the vehicle you’re looking at comes with a new breed of clean diesel engines that dramatically reduce emissions, while achieving exceptionally strong fuel efficiency without sacrificing driving performance, especially low-end torque.
The New York Times just published a great story on the growing acceptance of clean diesel technology in America, explaining some of the science behind it, and even featuring a gentleman who drives a 2010 VW Golf TDI model. In fact, this gentleman is, as of this writing, in second place in our Think Blue Challenge, which you can find right here on this blog.
VW fans know we’ve long embraced TDI clean diesel technology and so have many of our fans. We love that the Times is helping spread the word. Clean diesel for all!
*See www.fueleconomy.gov for EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.
7 Comments
1. Eraina White | December 2, 2010 at 7:28 am
The comeback is here to stay!!!
2. Tim Burks | December 3, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Sadly, VW has also neutered the options on the Golf in 2011. Gone is our sport suspension, the sport seats, even the fancy body cladding. Basically we could order up a GTi with a TDi engine! But, for 2011 they’ve turned our little TDi Golf into an econo-box looking car!! I have a 2004 TDi Golf that I’m in love with. Guess I’ll hold my breath for next year
Why oh WHY, if VW is so proud of the TDi, won’t they make a real sports car with it? Or heck, even a sportY model?? PLEASE VW?! I live right down the road from you guys in VA, c’mon man give a fan a break!! 
3. Doug Fredley | January 9, 2011 at 9:18 am
I love my Jetta TDI. For my next car, I’d really like to consider the Polo with the 1.2 diesel option (can you say 71 MPG?). Hey VW, it’s in Europe right now…please bring it over into the USA!!! There are plenty of people in the US that want this kind of MPG!!!
4. Marcus Worth | January 28, 2011 at 1:16 am
Maybe one of the VW TDIs will win the 2011 Diesel Car of the Year. VW owners can vote at http://www.thedieseldriver.com/2011/01/last-chance-to-vote/
5. Kent M Shade | April 7, 2011 at 3:29 am
I cannot get an answer to my question, “Are all TDI-badged vehicles produced by VW, turbocharged?”, if not, how can I make that determination?
6. John Shrift | April 7, 2011 at 9:22 pm
TDI = Turbo Direct Injection. I would have to say the answer would be yes to your question.
7. Nancy Derrick | February 29, 2012 at 12:38 am
Hey John Shrift,
I was told by VW that TDI stands for “Turbo Diesel Injected.” Where did you get YOUR definition? Sounds like you pulled it out of thin air or elsewhere, John.
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