2015 Volkswagen Passat 1.4 TSI 150 HP Acceleration Test

That trend is likely going to change soon, because the latest generation of petrol engines are more efficient than before and they are cheaper to buy or run.

Among the 10 different engines available on the new 2015 Passat, there's also a 1.4 TSI, which uses only one turbo and no supercharger, unlike the older models. As a result, it produces 150 hp, 10 less. However, because the car is lighter, this doesn't have such a negative impact on acceleration. With a 6-speed manual, 0 to 100 km/h takes only 8.4 seconds and the top speed is 220 km/h.

Want more advantages? Well the engine is smaller, so it needs less oil when serviced. Because it falls within efficiency class A and produces 115 grams of CO2, it's going to be cheap to tax. It's also €2,200 cheaper than a 150 horsepower 2.0 TDI with a 6-speed, while the difference in fuel consumption is 0.9 l/100km.

The 2015 model is the eighth generation and has been based around the same MQB platform as the Golf 7 and Audi A3. However, it's much longer than both these cars. Using this architecture, engineers have been able to shed a considerable chunk of weight and include all the best compact engines available from across the Volkswagen group. Depending on the model, the B8 Passat is up to 85 kg (188 lbs) less heavy than its predecessor.

As we've mentioned, 10 engines are now available. They range from verity basic 1.6 TDI units to the twin-turbo 2.0 TDI, which marks a segment first with its 240 hp output. There's also a plug-in hybrid with electric autonomy. Called the Passat GTE, this model features 218 combined PS, an estimated average fuel consumption of 2 l/100 km (117.6 mpg US) and all-electric driving range of up to 50 km (31 miles).