What Do TFSI, TDI, and Other Engine Badges Mean on Cars?

Modern cars come with different engine badges like TFSI, TDI, and TDCi, each showing how the engine works and what type of fuel it uses. Understanding these terms helps drivers make better leasing or buying choices - especially when comparing petrol, diesel, and hybrid models.


TFSI Meaning

TFSI stands for Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection. It’s used by Audi and Volkswagen to describe a turbocharged petrol engine that delivers more power without losing efficiency.

TFSI engines use direct fuel injection to improve performance, which is why you’ll find them in popular models like the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf.

If you’re considering a car with this engine, explore our Audi lease deals to see current options.


TDI Meaning

TDI stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection and refers to diesel engines designed for fuel efficiency and torque. Common across Audi, VW, and SEAT models, TDI engines are ideal for drivers covering long distances or motorway commutes.

To see models using TDI engines, check our Volkswagen lease deals.


TDCi Meaning

TDCi (Turbo Diesel Commonrail Injection) is used by Ford for their diesel engines. These units combine smooth performance with strong mileage. The system injects fuel at high pressure for cleaner combustion and lower emissions.

If you’re comparing options, browse our Ford car leasing page for current models.

CDTi Meaning

CDTi stands for Common Rail Diesel Turbo Injection and is mainly used by Vauxhall. It’s similar to Ford’s TDCi engines but tuned differently to suit Vauxhall’s range, such as the Astra and Insignia.


DCi Meaning

DCi (Direct Commonrail Injection) is found in Renault and Nissan cars. It represents diesel engines that focus on economy and lower emissions. Models like the Renault Captur or Nissan Qashqai commonly feature DCi engines.

TGDi Meaning

TGDi stands for Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection. It’s Hyundai and Kia’s version of turbo petrol technology, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.

If you’re comparing efficient turbo petrol cars, take a look at Hyundai car leasing and Kia car leasing.


VVTi Meaning

VVTi means Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence, a technology from Toyota that adjusts valve timing to maximise performance while saving fuel. It’s standard in many Toyota and Lexus models.

CRDi Meaning

CRDi stands for Common Rail Direct Injection, another diesel system from Hyundai and Kia. It injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber using a high-pressure rail for cleaner burning and better mileage.

TSI Meaning

TSI (Turbocharged Stratified Injection) is a VW Group petrol engine offering smooth acceleration and good economy. It’s similar to TFSI but tuned for smaller cars.

For example, the Volkswagen Polo TSI is one of the UK’s most popular compact hatchbacks for leasing.


CTDi Meaning

CTDi (Commonrail Turbo Diesel Injection) is found in Honda cars. It delivers quiet running and low emissions while maintaining strong performance.

Interested in Honda models? Visit Honda car leasing.

PS Meaning on Cars

When you see PS in car specs, it stands for Pferdestärke, a German term meaning horsepower. 1 PS equals roughly 0.986 horsepower, so it’s nearly the same measure of engine power.

Related Article: What is an SUV?


What Do Engine Abbreviations Mean?

These abbreviations help identify engine type and performance characteristics:

Abbreviation

Fuel Type

Key Feature

TFSI / TSI

Petrol

Turbocharged, fuel-efficient

TDI / TDCi / CDTi / DCi / CRDi

Diesel

High torque, efficient

TGDi

Petrol

Turbo petrol with direct injection

VVTi

Petrol

Smart valve timing for economy


If you’re comparing different engines for leasing, check our main car leasing page for the latest options.

Conclusion

Understanding what engine badges like TFSI, TDI, and TGDi mean helps drivers choose the right car for their needs. Whether you’re after strong diesel performance or efficient turbo petrol power, you can find plenty of options through All Car Leasing.


Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 11th September 2018 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.

FAQs on Car Engine Meanings and Abbreviations

TFSI means Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection - Audi’s petrol turbo engine that delivers power with efficiency.

TDI refers to Turbocharged Direct Injection diesel engines used by brands like Volkswagen, Audi, and SEAT.

TDCi stands for Turbo Diesel Commonrail Injection, Ford’s efficient diesel engine range.

CRDi engines are diesel, using a high-pressure injection system for improved performance and fuel economy.

Both are petrol turbo engines from VW Group; TSI engines are used in smaller cars, while TFSI versions power larger Audi models.