Volkswagen is adding several new petrol engine options to its previously all diesel and hybrid Passat and Tiguan ranges.

The Passat Saloon and Estate family now comes with four petrol engines options, ranging from a 1.4-litre TSI 123 bhp to a 2.0-litre TSI 217 bhp, and also including the impressive 1.4-litre TSI 148 bhp with Active Cylinder Technology.

For the first time the sporty R-Line trim is being made available with an entry-level engine in the Passat, with the new 1.4-litre TSI 123 bhp R-Line model.

When it comes to company car tax, the Passat 1.4 TSI ACT 148 bhp SE Business six-speed manual, with an on-the-road price of £23,775 RRP, produces a BIK rating of 22 per cent meaning a 40 per cent tax payer would incur a tax charge of £6,880 over a typical three years behind the wheel.

The equivalent Passat 2.0 TDI 148 bhp SE Business six-speed manual driver would be required to pay HMRC £7,746 over the same 36-month spell thanks to the car’s £25,675 RRP and 23 per cent BIK rate.

The new petrol-powered Passat models – which exactly mirror the equipment specifications of their diesel siblings on a like-for-like trim basis – will be introduced at an RRP roughly £1,900 below their diesel equivalents.

Meanwhile, seven new petrol derivatives have also been added to the Volkswagen Tiguan range. The 1.4-litre 123 bhp TSI 2WD has been introduced on the SE and SE Nav trim lines, offering a lower entry price from £25,000 RRP.

The accomplished 1.4-litre 148 bhp 2WD DSG is now available on the SEL and R-Line which, priced from £29,900 RRP for the SEL trim, also creates a lower entry point into these luxurious and sporty models.

Wes Withey, Volkswagen UK Product Marketing Manager, said: “Adding petrol engine options to our popular Passat family, in particular, is a great step forward.

“Powerful, refined and frugal – these new petrol units make the Passat more accessible in terms of price, as well as further broadening the cars’ already extensive appeal.”