Volkswagen was involved in the Dieselgate or Emissiongate incident, which involved widespread pollution violations, in 2015. The EPA discovered proof that the German carmaker had purposefully deceived during regulatory testing to meet US standards. It had expensive repercussions for VW Group, and the company was forced to discontinue the TDI engine in the USA.
Then, in 2018, there was the Monkeygate controversy, in which it was claimed that in May 2015, experiments were conducted on monkeys to demonstrate the safety of diesel exhaust fumes for primates. In North America, it did mean the end of VW diesel, but not elsewhere. In Europe, Volkswagen diesel vehicles are still in demand, and the Wolfsburg brand has not yet decided to abandon the engine.
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Aside from the problems, Volkswagen has created some fantastic diesel-powered vehicles that perfectly mix performance and fuel efficiency. The 1989 Audi 100 TDI had its first Turbocharged Direct Injection diesel engine. Many people hold some incarnations in high esteem as real million-mile engines, like the inline-four 1.9-liter ALH TDI engines. These Volkswagen diesel vehicles are ideal for gearheads to drive.
10. Volkswagen Sportwagen Golf TDI
The Golf is a well-known brand and a popular favorite among compact carriers. For a while, VW offered the Golf TDI variant with a diesel engine. The highlight version debuted with the MK7 generation but was discontinued after one year due to Dieselgate. It had a 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline-4 engine that produced 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a powerful and efficient ride.
Long-term reviews indicate a robust build quality, a pleasant driving experience, and enough power when needed. Furthermore, fuel consumption is minimal, with automobiles typically returning more than 35 mpg in mixed driving.
9. Volkswagen New Bettle
The original Beetle, which succeeded the Ford Model T, was the world’s best-selling automobile, selling 21 million units before being surpassed by the Toyota Corolla. It was powered by the same 1.9-liter ALH Diesel engine that drove the Jetta and Golf between 1998 and 2006. Many consider it to be one of the best diesel engines that require no maintenance.
The 1.9-liter inline-4 direct-injected turbocharged engines were dependable and efficient. These cars can now be found on the road with over 500,000 miles on the odometer.
8. Volkswagen Touran
Volkswagen has been producing the Touran since 2003, and it comes standard with a selection of Wolfsburg’s outstanding, efficient turbocharged engines and smooth transmissions. It is positioned below the larger Multivan in VW’s portfolio, yet it offers lots of space and a smooth ride.
While the new model solely has petrol engines, prior models included 1.6 and 2.0-liter TDI diesel engines. It was named Compact Van of the Year by ‘What Car?’ in 2005, and it has continuously received a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash safety assessments.
7. Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Because of the Golf name, the 2015 MK7 Golf Sportwagen TDI receives all of the diesel accolades. VW wanted to make a sub-$17,000 car with the sixth-generation Jetta, but it was a quality nightmare. However, by the time the 2015 model left the factory, all faults had been addressed.
6. Volkswagen Touareg R50 TDI
Diesel and great performance rarely go together, but the Touareg V10 TDI is an exception. The R50 was a customized version of Volkswagen’s premium 4×4 that helped put the sport back into SUV by delivering pounding performance, a comfortable and sumptuous interior, and an eye-catching exterior appearance.
It used the same 5.0-liter V10 TDI engine as the normal Touareg but enhanced power from 310 to 350 horsepower. When you factor in the 625 lb-ft of torque available at only 2000 rpm, you have a beast that can pull hard and quickly.
5. Volkswagen Phaeton
This month, Volkswagen unveiled a redesigned Phaeton successor that was never intended to mark the 20th anniversary of the brand’s first luxury sedan.
It shared the same platform as the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur in order to provide superior comfort, high-tech features, and impeccable build quality in a composed and confident vehicle.
4. Volkswagen Amarok
The recently unveiled 2023 Volkswagen Amarok shares a vital platform with the Ford Ranger, which gives it significant Ford ties. For example, both automobiles utilize the Ford T6 platform, transmissions, and all-wheel-drive systems. However, our emphasis is on the diesel engine options for the truck.
For the African market, a 2.0-liter Turbo Diesel with 148 or 168 horsepower is utilized. On Overboost, the 3.0-liter V6 TDI offers an exhilarating 268 hp for markets that need more power.
3. Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen discontinues production of the Passat sedan after 2022. The 2.0-liter inline-4 is the sole engine option for the current generation, whereas diesel engines were standard until the Dieselgate scandal. The B6 generation Passat with the 2.0-liter TDI and multiple valves is one of the most popular models on the European used car market.
2. Volkswagen Polo TDI
The Volkswagen Polo is the most affordable and diminutive hatchback on the market. It offers a classier, more refined, and more comfortable compact family vehicle with a sleek cabin, ample trunk space, and a smooth ride.
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There are several engine options, including a 1.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.6-liter diesel that returns an astounding 60 mpg.
1. Volkswagen Tiguan
The Tiguan quickly became a best-selling SUV upon its introduction, and the most recent generation has just surpassed the 4 million mark in sales.
The diesel-powered Tiguan is also worth investigating. The 2.0-liter TDI is ideally suited for the Tiguan and effortlessly manages its weight.
