Volkswagen India will be investing Rs. 240 crore for setting up an assembly line and engine testing facility for a new diesel engine. This new assembly line will be set up at Volkswagen’s Chakan facility in Pune. The diesel engine in picture here is the new 1.5L TDI which has made its appearance in the recently launched facelift Polo hatchback.
The local assembly of the 1.5L TDI engine is expected to commence by the end of 2014. This engine has been specifically designed and developed for the Indian market and with the local assembly, it will allow Volkswagen to price the diesel powered cars more competitively.
This new addition of an assembly line will be incorporated in the same plant structure and will cover up an area of 3,450 sq. mt. Volkswagen claims that it can produce up to 98,000 engines on a triple shift basis. Also, along with this addition, the company will create job opportunities for 260 people in the plant.
The 1.5L diesel engine is an in-line, 4-cylinder unit pumping 89 BHP of power @ 4,200 RPM and 230 Nm of torque @ 1,500 – 2,500 RPM. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. ARAI approved fuel efficiency is rated at 20.14 kmpl.