Volkswagen's factories make the all-new Passat sedan and variant with a broad range of engines, ranging from small diesels to a Prius-fighting plug-ins. However, only one version is making its way to the Japanese market.
We're talking about the 1.4 TSI, a versatile four-cylinder turbo engine that offers good fuel economy and a low purchasing price. In Japan, the mill is rated at 150 PS and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. It's available exclusively with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and a front-wheel drive system that supposedly returns 20.4 km/L (4.95 l/100km).
Designed to work on any car based on the MQB platform, this latest generation of the 1.4 TSI is equipped with a single turbocharger, lacking the added supercharger that old Passats had. Power is down by 10 PS, as a result, but an Active Cylinder Management improves efficiency by cutting fuel to two cylinders.
Even though you can only buy one engine, there are several trim levels to choose from in Japan, starting with TSI Trendline and going up to a fully-equipped Highline. That model brings adaptive LED headlights, leather seats and 18-inch aluminum alloys. You can also order the sportier R-Line kit, but considering the size of the engine, it's total overkill.
The Passat has always been good at bridging the gap between premium cars and mainstream ones. The 2015 model is longer, wider and lighter, but we don't think any of that will do much good in Japan. Competitors like the Mazda6 and Toyota Camry are made locally, so they are cheaper to buy.
Customers may also prefer a sedan with all-wheel drive, so the only folks who will buy the Passat are the ones who love the VW brand.
Designed to work on any car based on the MQB platform, this latest generation of the 1.4 TSI is equipped with a single turbocharger, lacking the added supercharger that old Passats had. Power is down by 10 PS, as a result, but an Active Cylinder Management improves efficiency by cutting fuel to two cylinders.
Even though you can only buy one engine, there are several trim levels to choose from in Japan, starting with TSI Trendline and going up to a fully-equipped Highline. That model brings adaptive LED headlights, leather seats and 18-inch aluminum alloys. You can also order the sportier R-Line kit, but considering the size of the engine, it's total overkill.
The Passat has always been good at bridging the gap between premium cars and mainstream ones. The 2015 model is longer, wider and lighter, but we don't think any of that will do much good in Japan. Competitors like the Mazda6 and Toyota Camry are made locally, so they are cheaper to buy.
Customers may also prefer a sedan with all-wheel drive, so the only folks who will buy the Passat are the ones who love the VW brand.