From TSI to DCC, do you Know Your Volkswagen Lingo?
May 2024
Bug – The car that placed Volkswagen on the map, the Beetle would often fondly be referred to as the “Bug” – a nickname made famous by the 1969 movie, The Love Bug.
Mk – As Volkswagen prepares for the global introduction of the updated Golf Mk8, now is as good a time as any to acknowledge that Mk is short for “mark”, as in a definitive point on a timeline. The successor to the Beetle, the Golf Mk1 was unveiled in May 1974.
TSI – Introduced in 2006, TSI is an acronym for “Turbocharged Stratified Injection.” This technology aims to lower both emissions and fuel consumption by combining multi-stage direct fuel injection with modern turbocharging.
TDI – “Turbocharged Direct Injection” is a technology that works in conjunction with diesel-powered motors. In this application, the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber at a pressure which sometimes exceeds 2,000 bar. TDI engines are impressively efficient, offering an optimal operating range between visits to the fuel station.
GTI – Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, the legendary GTI badge first appeared on the grille of the hatchback unveiled at the 1975 IAA motor show stand. Short for “Grand Touring Injection,” this badge has become synonymous with the so-called hot hatch segment, with the Golf GTI acknowledged as the benchmark in terms of combining performance with everyday usability.
DSG – Volkswagen’s “Direct-Shift Gearbox” was showcased in the 2003 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 R32. This so-called dual-clutch transmission technology essentially combines two gear sets, one for the odd-numbered gears and the other for the even-numbered ratios. The benefit of this is near-seamless gear shifts as the next cog is already pre-selected and ready to be engaged as the vehicle gains momentum.
4Motion – An evolution of the brand’s Syncro system, 4Motion is Volkswagen’s trademarked modern all-wheel-drive designation. Vehicles fitted with a 4Motion system can seamlessly transfer torque between the front and rear wheels for optimal traction in slippery conditions. 4Motion is available in several applications, from the mighty Golf Mk8 R to the modern Touareg and second-generation Amarok pick-up.
R-Line – A sub-brand derived from the popularity of Volkswagen’s portfolio of high-performance R models, “R-Line” refers to a level of respective cosmetic upgrades fitted to a particular derivative within a product line-up. A suitably popular tick-box, the benefit of an R-Line package is a vehicle that looks the part – including larger wheels and a body kit – without compromising overall levels of comfort, versatility or, indeed, efficiency.
DCC – Volkswagen’s “Dynamic Chassis Control” offers customers the ability to on-the-fly adjust the firmness of their vehicle’s suspension setup to suit the prevailing driving conditions. Usually working in conjunction with other driver-focussed settings within a vehicle’s Drive Mode system, adaptive damping allows for the suspension to be firmed, or “tightened”, for enthusiastic driving when maximum precision is required or, indeed, made more forgiving when a more comfortable commute is called for.
IQ. – The future of the Volkswagen brand, IQ. refers to new intelligent technologies, innovations and mobility solutions that this German brand continues to introduce. From IQ.Light that incorporates the latest-generation Matrix LED headlamp technology, to IQ.Drive that showcases advancements in active driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assistant and collision avoidance functions.
ID. – Volkswagen’s fast-growing portfolio of modern all-electric products falls under the ID. nameplate. From the funky ID. Buzz that reimagines the original Transporter to the all-conquering 500 kW ID. R which currently holds numerous lap time records on racetracks around the world, expect to see many more all-electric ID. products introduced globally in the coming years. This includes a modern interpretation of the legendary