I have just received the VW and DVLC letter inviting me to have my 2.0 TDI engine modified.

I quote from the letter:

‘…...able to carry out the technical measures relating to the NOx emissions issue affecting your Volkswagen vehicle.’

‘…..the measure will involve a software update to the engine management system.’

‘...there will be no change to your vehicle’s engine performance, maximum torque or noise levels.’

‘The performance data already published for your vehicle, including fuel consumption values and CO2 emissions will also remain unchanged.’

‘The software upgrades the engine management system in your affected vehicle by implementing elements such as an enhanced fuel injection pattern. …….without adverse effects to service life……….advances in diesel combustion technology which were not available at the time your vehicle was manufactured.’

VW and UK and European transport ministries have said from the start that the software 'cheat' only kicked in during the USA test and did not affect normal running or the European/UK test.

If the car passes the test without the software kicking in, then surely it is legal in the UK and doesn't need the fix?

If the software was only applied during the USA test, then the 'fix' should have no effect at all on normal running.

If that is so, then why is any 'fix' needed in Europe?

The latest newspaper claims of 'it may not be legal if you refuse' seems to me an attempt to push through a 'fix' that really IS needed and therefore there is something we are not being told, either:

a) Because they would then need to pay compensation in Europe which would possibly bankrupt VW (and Germany with it)

and/or

b) If they are able to fudge the issue for long enough, the models affected will all be older than 3 years, the time many are changed, and crucially the older they are, the greater the proportion that would then not be sold by VW dealers. If the original owners have 'upgraded', I would presume a claim for losses and misrepresentation would be much harder to prove and would be less anyway since the car is worth less the older it is.

Lastly,

1) ‘No change in maximum torque’, but what about the torque curve?

2) ‘No change in published fuel consumption or CO2 emissions’ - but these are from the old UK test. What about ‘real life’ ?

3) What about the claimed reduction in NOx? Was it actually higher than claimed at first?

I have no doubt others will say, “then do not have it done”, (and I do intend to hold off a while), but that would not answer any of the above.

Thoughts please :-)