Dieselgate – Volkswagen Diesel Fix Questioned By Independent Swedish Test
A Swedish examination of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions fix has called into question claims the recalls do not compromise vehicle performance. Teknikens Värld, a publication famous for its dramatic “moose test” dynamic assessment,
A Swedish examination of Volkswagen’s diesel emissions fix has called into question claims the recalls do not compromise vehicle performance.
Teknikens Värld, a publication famous for its dramatic “moose test” dynamic assessment, tested 10 different vehicles pre and post-fix, finding most of them experienced a loss in engine output.
Its website says “it is clear to us that in many cases the driveability of the cars has worsened dramatically. It is not the same car as before the fix”.
Volkswagen’s Swedish arm said it was surprised by the result. Its Australian arm is on the record saying the recalls do not affect vehicle performance.
“In approving the update, the type approval authorities in Europe conducted a review and certified that following the update the fuel consumption figures and CO2 emissions originally listed by the manufacturer were confirmed,” Volkswagen Australia said.
“They further certified that previous engine performance, maximum torque and previous noise emissions remain unchanged.”
Owners of Volkswagen Group models affected by the diesel emissions scandal have been reluctant to commit to the recall in a range of markets including Australia, where less than a quarter of owners affected by the issue have submitted cars for software updates.
For 2.0-litre diesel engines, the recall involves nothing more than a software upgrade, while the smaller 1.6-litre units also receive a new filter for the air intake.
Teknikens Värld subjected 10 Volkswagen Group models from Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi to before-and-after tests examining power and torque levels along with fuel consumption.
Recalls