Dieselgate: Volkswagen cars lose power after fix

Volkswagen’s recall of over 228,000 cars in Sweden to address the Dieselgate emissions scandal has led to significant declines in vehicle performance, according to tests by Teknikens Värld. Owners have reported reduced power and increased fuel consumption post-fix. For instance, a Passat Alltrack lost 13 horsepower and experienced a noticeable drop in torque, contradicting Volkswagen's assurances that performance would remain unchanged.

Despite Volkswagen's claims and reliance on the German KBA's approvals, Teknikens Värld’s independent tests reveal a different story. Many models, including Skoda, Audi, and Seat, exhibited decreased torque and higher fuel consumption after the emissions fix. This reduction in performance affects everyday driving, especially for diesel engines known for their high torque at low RPMs, which aid in smooth driving and fuel efficiency.

The dissatisfaction among car owners is evident, with some feeling misled by Volkswagen's promises. Professor Ingemar Denbratt of Chalmers University of Technology suggests that the changes to meet CO2 reduction goals might be responsible for the power reduction. Volkswagen advises unhappy customers to contact workshops, but the divergence in test results calls for greater scrutiny and potential further adjustments to restore customer satisfaction and vehicle performance.

Read more on: https://teknikensvarld.expressen.se/nyheter/bil-och-trafik/dieselgate-volkswagen-cars-loses-power-after-fix-456111/