HERNDON, VA -As fuel economy and emissions gain even greater awareness among today's new car shoppers, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is honored to have its 2.0L four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel engine selected by Ward's Automotive Group as one of the "10 Best Engines" for 2010. Presented at a special ceremony during last month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the 16th-annual list represents the only awards program in North America to recognize engine excellence.

"This year's list embodies how the industry is responding to demands for higher fuel economy and lower emissions without shortchanging performance," said Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief, Drew Winter. "Auto makers, like Volkswagen, are using innovative designs and advanced technology to boost horsepower and torque while downsizing engines and increasing efficiency."

"For over 30 years, Volkswagen has been developing and refining diesel engine technology to help bring an ever-improving host of benefits to drivers now and into the future," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Our 2.0L TDI unites an exceptional balance of fun-to-drive performance and efficiency, and we are proud to have it recognized in the prestigious Ward's list."

The 2.0L TDI is compliant with the stringent Tier 2, Bin 5/ULEV II emissions standards that apply in California and all 50 U.S. states, and is available now in the all-new sixth generation Golf, the award-winning Jetta, and the versatile Jetta SportWagen models. The engine delivers 140 horsepower and a potent 236 lbs.-ft. of torque for truly efficient but thrilling performance, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission, or the six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmission. Power comes on quick and even throughout the RPM range, for strong off-the-line performance, and an instant boost when needed at speed.

With either transmission, the 2.0L TDI promises up to 30 percent better fuel economy over a comparable gasoline engine, netting EPA-estimated fuel mileage in the low 30 mpg range with city driving, and the low 40 mpg range during highway conditions. Greenhouse gas emissions are cut 25 percent over a comparable gasoline engine, along with a 95 percent reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions since 1990, making for a cleaner ride with every mile. The 2.0L TDI runs quieter and smoother than diesel engines of the past, making its operation virtually indistinguishable from that of a gasoline engine.