Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Review

Now, they've replaced the aforementioned, workhorse 2-litre powerplant that we have all come to know of in the Beetle and Golf, in the form of a new 1.8-litre TSI turbo. Being the smaller brother to the bigger 2-litre TFSI, it puts out less torque and power than the. Don't confuse this TSI for that of the 1.4, turbo-supercharged variant in the Golf GT though, for this new engine does not come with the latter.

Mechanics

We drove the 2.0-litre FSI four-cylinder before taking the 1.8-litre variant out for the week. Both cars come with a fully automatic six-speed transmission, giving VW's DSG unit a miss.

This 1.8-litre TSI develops 158bhp @ 5000rpm. That's 18 horses more than it's normally aspirated 2-litre predecessor, and down from the 197bhp 2-litre "kor-kor" while still managing 250nm worth of torque at just 1500rpm. Obviously, this is the biggest change for Volkswagen's new entry level Passat here in Singapore - that's 50nm more torque at a full 2000rpm LOWER down in the rev range.

Again, compare to the bigger TFSI engine's 280nm @ 1800rpm, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Not just on paper, of course

Driving Impressions

Floor the throttle of the TSI, and you will hardly be able to tell of the engine's turbocharged nature - VW's key factor in setting these two engine models apart.

Driven back to back, the TSI appears to lack that midrange "oomph," but power delivery and response are very, very linear, unlike its 2-litre, turbocharged brother.

The new engine loves being wound up. It WANTS you to keep it at high revs, and for you redline it every single time before shifting up. Again, very different from the lazy, torque-rich nature of the 2-litre TFSI, which naturally, offers lots of midrange punch. In relative terms however, relaxes that push after 4000rpm or so.

Turn out of a small, filter lane and onto a road riddled with traffic in that more powerful Passat. If you were not the least bit careful, it would have more than likely, spun its wheels unglamorously in front of the whole world. Needless to say, the same goes for wet weather starts despite the omnipresence of traction control.

No such thing with the 1.8. Unless you try very, very hard to get the front wheels to protest, the car pulls you into, and out of a turn, under heavy throttle situations with great ease. It is a much more drivable car for the every day rush-hour challenge, and it won't leave your stocks grappling for grip every single time you give your car the beans.

Obviously, the century dash isn't accomplished in a time as fast as a Passat TFSI. We clocked just under 9 seconds in the wet. However, factor in the more powerful variant's difficulty in getting off the line in less than ideal circumstances, and you have a closer-than-you-think fight in real world situations.

In-gear acceleration from 70-120km/h exposes the 1.8's inability to pull as strongly as the more powerful Passat in virtually any gear at any speed. To compensate, you might want to slip its gear lever into the "S" mode, and prod it a little harder in order to harness this TSI's overtaking talents.


Ride and Handling

Everything feels lighter and more agile as compared to the 2.0 TFSI, and while we felt all the Passats that we've tested could afford a little less body roll round the bends, the TSI copes surprisingly well through harsh corners.

It doesn't get terribly upset when one tries to negotiate Suntec City's "Fountain of Wealth" roundabout at eighty clicks or so. For the sports-car minded people in us, we felt that it could do with a firmer set-up which Volkswagen is entirely capable of, without resulting in harsh compromises.

Throw a few big ones and the lack of stroke quickly becomes apparent. This isn't a problem with local, or even Malaysian roads, but for the hard and fast driver who expects a lot from his machines™

Then again, he wouldn't want a Passat, would he?

The electro-hydraulic rack feels as stiff as it needs to be, and although a little large for the Passat's sportingly pleasant character, is fairly comfortable in our hands. (ed. Perfect, in Volkswagen terms, is reserved for the Golf R32)

Like the brakes of most Passats, over-assistance makes stopping a little "zealous" at times. It requires a gentle prod, and that's about it. Mash them hard enough, unsecured objects floating around might just make good friends with your brand new Passat's windscreen.

The TSI comes with 215/55 profile 16 inch wheels, and those rather vacant wheel arches suggest lots of room for "upgrades" in the form of aftermarket rims and suspension bits, but you didn't hear that from us.

Equipment

With a cabin that almost matches up to the Phaeton, the environment for this car's interior occupants is nothing short of plush, save for a little hard plastic here and there.

Every single surface in our test car was good to the touch and buttocks, although it must be said that the leathers do tend to heat up a little too quickly under direct sunlight. Standard equipment is comprehensive - a keyless ignition and start button via a "KESSY," electrically operated parking brake, six air bags, active front head restraints, ABS, brake assist, stability control, cruise and traction control. As with most Vee-dubs, a 6-disc 32-bit MP3 capable CD changer comes as standard

For what it's worth, ($116,700 as of the 4th of April, 2008) we love this car for the same reasons as the naturally aspirated 2 litre Passat - it is copious, comfortable and the engine is surprisingly rev-happy. Although entirely different in character from the "bigger" Passat, this car narrows the gap in terms of outright performance.

Most importantly, this new car defines, and holds its place in today's competitive market, and where we felt that the old model lacked in power and punch, the Passat 1.8 TSI more than makes up it!