WHen was it introduced?

[cube1980]

When was the TDI engine introduced into the Golf.  I read a few places that it was introduced in 1996? The owners manual for my 96 Golf says it's has 90 HP but I don't see TDI anywhere on the vehicle and I'm sure I saw AAZ stamped on the cover of the timing belt.  Did the first TDI's look much different from the 1.9 IDI's??

Also is there any way in telling what Model of Golf I have? GL or whatever? It's not marked on the ownership etc and there are no badges on it either?

[vanagonturbo]

where are you? this is a big factor. IIRC the TDI was introduced in 93?

[Patrick]

It depends where you are. Pretty sure I've seen '97 cars here with AAZ's and TDI's. Earlier than that (in this part of Canada anyway) were all AAZ. '98 and up are all TDI.

[jimfoo]

When was the TDI engine introduced into the Golf.  I read a few places that it was introduced in 1996? The owners manual for my 96 Golf says it's has 90 HP but I don't see TDI anywhere on the vehicle and I'm sure I saw AAZ stamped on the cover of the timing belt.  Did the first TDI's look much different from the 1.9 IDI's??

Also is there any way in telling what Model of Golf I have? GL or whatever? It's not marked on the ownership etc and there are no badges on it either?

You can easily tell which you have by looking at the injectors. If they screw in, it's an AAZ. If clamps hold them in it's a TDI.
The local dealer in Denver, CO said there were some AAZ Golfs in '97 in the States.

[cube1980]

I'm in Ontario and I think the car has been in Ontario since it was purchased.

[andy2]

Golf TDI first appeared in 99,Jetta TDI in 97 and Passat TDI in 96.