Volkswagen has announced the launch of a new petrol engine to replace units in the current TSI range. The first will be a 1.5-litre four-cylinder, and this will be the first in a modular range of engines. Why 1.5-litre exactly?

Partly this is to replace the current 1.4-litre, and so add in the bonus of more torque quite easily. The other reason is that this is the maximum size you can go up to in a specific road tax category in China. Good to know who’s setting the agenda here.

The engine will form the basis for new plug-in hybrids coming out from VW such as the T-Cross and T-Roc. It will be available in either 128bhp or 148bhp form, and will be followed by different sized engines in the near future.

The new modular engines will use VGT, which stands for variable geometry turbochargers, which should help to produce more torque from lower down the rev range. Volkswagen reckon this will work from as low as 1300rpm. That’s one aim achieved, and the second is improved fuel consumption and lower emissions.

These are tackled in a variety of ways, including cylinder deactivation whereby half the cylinders shut down when they’re not needed. This plus other technology, including the latest direction injection systems, will ensure that the engines meet or exceed the latest Euro 6 requirements coming into force later this year.