Will buyers forget dieselgate with Passat TDi?

With the introduction of a turbodiesel engine, Volkswagen has filled in the the gaps of the new Passat model range before heading into 2017.

The new Passat TDI features a lightweight and fuel efficient 2.0-liter diesel engine that produces an output of 130Kw and maximum torque figure of 350Nm, allowing it to sprint to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 228km/h. One other reason to consider the Passat TDi is the combined cycle of 5.0 litres per 100km which is only marginally higher than the 1.4TSi.

In terms of the Passat range – offered in two new equipment lines, Luxury and Executive – the line-up has undergone some reconstruction and now offers a host of new features as standard; LED headlights, Climatronic Air Conditioner and Vienna leather seats form the Luxury line up.

More standard features are seen with the Executive derivative as it includes App Connect, Nappa leather seats and LED daytime running lights. To further enhance the sporty element the Executive derivative is fitted with R-Line Styling Package which includes a sporty front and rear grille, side skirts as well as 18-inch ‘Marseille’ alloy wheels.

Although we’re not quite convinced that the Passat TDi offers a whole lot of credible benefits in performance or economy compared to the other excellent models petrol in the range, Volkswagen has bravely stuck to its TDi badge amid recent controversy.

Price (Including VAT):

1.4 TSI Luxury 110kW DSG                                            R468 200

2.0 TSI Executive 162kW DSG                                      R522 400

2.0 TDI Luxury 130kW DSG                                           R493 900

2.0 TDI Executive 130kW DSG                                     R522 400

The Passat model range comes standard with a 3 year/ 120 000 km manufacturer warranty and 5 year/100 000 km Automotion Maintenance Plan. Models have a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000 km service intervals.