What are the differences between Volkswagen Tiguan L National 5 and National 6 standards?
2 Answers
The differences between National 5 and National 6 emission standards are as follows: Different emission standards: National 6 emission standards are more than 30% stricter than National 5. Excluding the influence of working conditions and testing, gasoline vehicles' carbon monoxide emissions are reduced by 50%, total hydrocarbons and non-methane hydrocarbons emissions are reduced by 50%, and nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced by 42%. Different implementation times: The National 5 standard was implemented nationwide on January 1, 2017, as the fifth phase of national motor vehicle emission standards. The National 6 standard was implemented on July 1, 2019. Different principles: During the National 5 phase, diesel and gasoline vehicles had different emission standards, but National 6 adopts a fuel-neutral principle, meaning the emission limits are the same regardless of the fuel type. Different issuing departments: The National 5 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The National 6 standard was issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine. Different letter representations: National 5 is represented by 'V', while National 6 is represented by 'VI'. Different monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles: Compared to National 5, National 6 has improved monitoring requirements for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, including energy storage systems, thermal management systems, brake regeneration, drive motors, generators, and other regulatory aspects. National 5 standard limits are as follows: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 1,000 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. National 6 has two standards: National 6a and National 6b, as follows: National 6a standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 700 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 68 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 60 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 4.5 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. National 6b standard limits: Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 500 milligrams of carbon monoxide per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of non-methane hydrocarbons per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 35 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer driven. Gasoline vehicles must not emit more than 3 milligrams of PM (particulate matter) per kilometer driven. Affected by the National 6 emission policy, although National 5 vehicles are not currently restricted in normal use, such as no driving bans or license plate restrictions, their resale value will be significantly impacted. For car owners, if they purchase a truck on loan for cargo transport, the vehicle's depreciation after repaying the loan is equivalent to the owner's net profit during that period. A higher residual value means more profit for the owner. Therefore, from this perspective, National 6 vehicles with longer service life and more road rights have greater advantages.
As a long-time owner of the Touareg L, I think the biggest difference between China V and China VI lies in emissions. The China VI standard is much stricter, with manufacturers slightly reducing the engine power by a few horsepower, which is hardly noticeable in daily driving. A particulate filter has also been added to the exhaust system to more thoroughly treat small pollutants, significantly reducing urban emissions and contributing more to the environment. Fuel consumption might be slightly higher, and maintenance costs a bit more expensive with higher-priced parts, but long-term value retention is much better. In some cities, China V vehicles aren’t even allowed to be registered anymore. Overall, the Touareg L still drives just as stable and comfortable, with ample space, making it ideal for family trips. When buying a new car, go straight for the China VI version to avoid future hassles.