The award for the best engine in the 1 to 1.4 liter displacement category went to Volkswagen’s unique Twincharger at the International Engine of The Year awards. The direct injected 1.4 liter unit is truly unique in that it is both turbocharged and supercharged. This gives the little engine the low-end punch provided by the “right-now” supercharger and the top-end thrust associated with a turbocharger.
Used in a variety of Volkswagen supplied vehicles, this engine can make upwards to 185 horsepower and can still achieve 45+ mpg. It won by way of its smooth operation and virtually no lag that can go hand in hand with forced induction. The response of the Volkswagen Twincharger is being compared to that of a larger, naturally aspirated engine and thus was summed up by one journalist who said it is “downsizing at its best.”
