Volkswagen??™s Passat is set to reap a four-fold improvement in performance and specifications with the introduction of their acclaimed 122bhp TFSi engine across the range.

Higher engine power, greater fuel economy, lower emissions and an increased level of standard specifications are amongst the improvements promised when the first models to feature the new engine arrive on the market here from the beginning of next year.

Twice winner of an International Engine of the Year award (the Irish juror is Padraic Deane), the new 1.4-litre TFSi unit will boost Passat??™s power output from 115bhp to 122bhp resulting in improved acceleration and an increase in top speed to 203km/h.

Alongside this extra power comes a 12 percent cut in fuel consumption - down from 7.5 litres to 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres - and a corresponding 12 percent reduction in carbon emissions, from 179g/km to 157g/km.

Designed to satisfy growing international demand for vehicles that match performance with lower fuel usage and fewer emissions, the new TFSi engine is already making its mark in the Golf GT, Golf GT Sport, Jetta and Touran.

Within the coming weeks, a 122 bhp version arrives in the Eos, followed next January by a 150bhp version in the all new Tiguan.

Besides scoring on the power to economy scale, the new TFSi engine has the added advantage of bringing Passat into lower VRT and road tax segments. Utilising the saving that this brings, Volkswagen is increasing the level of standard specifications on all models. At entry level, front fog lights, front armrest with storage box and rear air vents are set to feature. Higher up the range, other standard items being introduced include 16??? alloys with wider profile 215/55 tyres and full leather upholstery on Highline models.

Price variation will be minimal with the new, higher-specified Passat coming on the market at ?26,280 ex works, compared with the current ex works price of ?26,010 for the 1.6 version.

Commenting, Volkswagen sales manager Tom O??™Connor said ???similar steps to introduce this new engine are being taken in the UK and in other European markets with the result that future Passat owners will be better poised to leap-frog any new measures that the Government may introduce in pursuit of green policies and their obligations under international climate control agreements.???

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