Volkswagen launched the 1.5-litre diesel engine in its mainstay models, the Polo and Vento in 2014.

Available in two states of tune, 88bhp and 103bhp, the engine also powers the Skoda Rapid sedan in the more powerful guise. This unit has been made specifically for India by downsizing the 1.6-litre (EA189) motor, in order to avail tax benefits offered on engine-displacements below 1.5 litres.

Volkswagen has been indigenising the 1.5-litre diesel engine in a phased manner and in its first phase of localisation, approximately 30 crucial engine components like connecting rods, vacuum lines, fly wheels to name a few are sourced from local suppliers.  

In the next phase of localisation, VW will add a locally sourced turbocharger to the engine which is slightly larger than the one currently in use. With the new and bigger turbocharger, the engine will see a slight bump in power, resulting in an output of around110bhp. The more powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine will first be available in VW products like the Vento and Polo GT TDI. 

Sister brand Skoda is also set to benefit from this engine upgrade later. The updated Rapid which is to launch during the festive season this year will, won’t get this new engine at launch but a few months later.