Published:
11 April 2024Volkswagen has confirmed a range of up to eight engines for the new Passat in some markets, but at launch there’s just one in the UK: a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with 48V mild-hybrid tech, cylinder deactivation and a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic gearbox.
With 148bhp and 184lb ft of torque, the transversely mounted engine isn’t exactly overflowing with energy. However, the new belt-driven starter-generator adds a further 17bhp and a good dollop of torque for short periods under load, which is sufficient to give the 1572kg Passat a 0-62mph time of 9.2sec.
Importantly for a car conceived to haul large loads, the reworked engine has useful torque, the combination of combustion and electric power endowing it with good drivability and fairly impressive refinement in everyday driving, while its official average fuel economy is a strong 52.3mpg.
The powertrain feels slick, settled and comfortable. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine can labour a little during quicker driving and doesn't always maintain top-level refinement when working hard, but it's generally entirely pleasant company. The DSG gearbox, meanwhile, only struggles for shifting composure under bigger throttle loads.
Volkswagen plans to bring two PHEV powertrains to the UK later this year. These combine the 1.5 eTSI engine (herein running on the Miller cycle) with an electric motor and a six-speed DSG to provide respective system outputs of 201bhp and 268bhp.
