VW_5824

The Volkswagen Passat has just been updated in various European countries, in terms of both exterior as well as under the hood.

The most obvious change is the addition of a new trim level called R-Line – not to be confused with the V6-powered Passat CC R-Line sold in Malaysia. In this case, the R-Line trim is based on the Passat S trim level and comes with a bodykit as well as a sports suspension that’s lower by 15mm.

The R-Line front bumper includes fog lamps with cornering function. At the rear, there’s a bootlid spoiler. Finally, the side profile is completed with 18 inch Kansas alloy wheels wrapped with 235/40R18 tyres as well as dark tinted rear windows.

VW_5825

The big change under the hood is the phasing out of the 160 PS 1.8 litre TSI engine as found in our Malaysian-market Passat. Replacing it is the twin-charged 1.4 litre TSI engine that also makes 160 PS. This twin-charged engine is the one found in the Malaysian-market Jetta 1.4 TSI as well as the previous-generation Mk6 Golf 1.4 TSI.

Volkswagen says the twin-charged 1.4 litre TSI engine is more economical as well as less polluting than the 1.8 litre TSI, and the sleek Volkswagen CC will also get the same engine downsizing. Previously, the Passat was only available with the 122 PS version of the 1.4 litre engine, which only used a turbocharger instead of the 160 PS version’s twin-charger setup.

No news on whether this change will happen worldwide. The 1.8 litre TSI engine is currently found in Malaysia in the engine bays of the CKD Volkswagen Passat, CBU Volkswagen Passat Sport and CBU Volkswagen CC.