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.
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.”