Volkswagen’s 2.0T has been the backbone of their lineup, at least here in the US, for nearly a decade now. It has nestled itself into a versitile position, powering the higher-end VW models as well as the lower level Audi models.

Volkswagens equipped with the 2.0T include: the GTI, Golf R, Jetta GLI, Passat, Beetle Turbo, CC, Eos, and Tiguan.

Audis equipped with the 2.0T include: the A3, S3, A4, A5, A6, Q3, Q5, and TT.

The 2.0T has wide-ranging capabilities, and, what luck, it just so happens to be quite tuneable. While there are a few varying versions of the 2.0T out there, depending on the model, the general modification path is pretty standard fare.

Stock

Like other turbocharged VW Group products, most 2.0T models are underrated by 10-20% on paper.

In general, most 2.0Ts equipped with K03 turbos produce somewhere in the range of 220-240hp. Models like the VW Golf Rs, Audi S3, and the MK7 GTI are all equipped with larger turbos, usually a K04, and produce more power.

That would explain why my stock Volkswagen CC was able to beat a Saab 93 Turbo in a little street race that took place in Mexico (of course). The Saab supposedly had 220hp to my measly “200hp”, yet I just kept pulling away. Hmmm…

Stage 1

This is just an ECU flash with no tangible modifications to the car. In many cases the power and torque gains here are quite substantial, and nobody looking at your car will suspect a thing. Stage 1 is sleeper status for sure, especially if you have a more subtle VW or Audi model, like my Volkswagen CC.

Note: You can fit an intake with Stage 1, and it will help smooth out the higher end of the powerband, but it’s not required.

2.0T (K03 Turbo) Stage 1: 260-290bhp

Mk7 Golf GTI, Mk6 Golf R, Audi A3, and TT-S Stage 1: 310-330bhp

Mk7 Golf R and Audi S3: 370-400bhp

Stage 2

Now we put on a turbo back exhaust to improve flow. This will open up a bit more horsepower and torque, but keep in mind the amount of money you are spending for what can often be only a marginal increase over stage 1 (depending on the model). If you want to go for big power and fit a larger turbo, then you will need to do the better exhaust, but if you just want a little more puch in you daily driver then it may not be worth it.

2.0T (K03) Stage 2: ~300bhp

Mk7 Golf GTI, Mk6 Golf R, Audi A3, and TT-S Stage 2: 360-380bhp

Mk7 Golf R and Audi S3: 420-450bhp

Stage 3 (for K03 models)

Now you swap out the stock K03 turbocharger for the larger, but still VW OEM, K04 turbocharger. The K04 brings performance up to much more serious level in any of the 2.0T-equipped models, and most drivers should be more than happy by this point.

K04 swap power levels will be close to Stage 2 levels for stock K04 equipped cars, 360bhp or so.

The Next Stages

For those not satisfied with what stages 1-3 has to offer, you can fit much larger turbochargers than a K04. The sky is the limit from here. Just be sure you are aware what parts should be upgraded to handle the amount of horsepower you’re looking to achieve. Observe the 700hp Golf R above for some inspiration!

Summary

The 2.0T is VW Group’s workhorse, and it will yield nice benefits for anyone interested in upgrading and tuning it. Whether you just want a chipped (stage 1) Volkswagen CC that can scare a few Mazdaspeed3s and Focus STs, or you want a full-blast Golf R with all the fixin’s, the 2.0T is a solid choice.

They can also be pretty economical too, but this article wasn’t about that…