The powerful and thrifty 2010 Volkswagen Eos 2.0 TSI Engine

Volkswagen's Eos convertible returns for 2010 with no changes to its standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four. The 3.2-liter VR6 engine available in earlier years was dropped in 2009.



The Eos shares its turbocharged, 16-valve 2.0 TSI engine with the Volkswagen GTI and Jetta Wolfsburg Edition. The TSI engine is undersquare, with an iron block, an aluminum head, twin balance shafts, and chain-driven dual overhead camshafts, with variable timing for the intake cam. It features VW's Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) system, which injects fuel directly into the combustion chambers at up to 1,600 psi, improving both power and fuel economy. Directly injecting fuel also cools the intake charge before combustion, which reduces the risk of detonation, despite a compression ratio of 9.6:1, high for a turbocharged engine.



The 2.0 TSI has a single BorgWarner K03 turbocharger built into the exhaust manifold, with an air-to-air intercooler to reduce the temperature of the compressed charge before it enters the intake manifold. Maximum boost pressure is 13.1 psi, producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque.



While a 2.0-liter engine producing 100 horsepower per liter might sound peaky, the 2.0 TSI is optimized for low-end and mid-range power. There is very little turbo lag, and Volkswagen claims that 100% of the engine's maximum torque is available from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Reviewers note, however, that it runs out of breath at higher engine speeds.



Because the Eos weighs substantially more than a GTI or Jetta with the same engine, it is somewhat slower, although the 2.0-liter engine gives it good overall performance. The TSI engine is quiet and fairly refined, even in aggressive driving.



The Eos gets surprisingly good fuel economy, considering its weight and performance. EPA city/highway estimates are 21/29 with manual transmission, 21/30 with the optional DSG transmission, although Volkswagen recommends premium fuel.

Ronnie Tanner is a contributing writer at SWEngines.com. He writes about Volkswagen Eos Engine and other industry specific topics.