Volkswagen Passat 118TSI Wagon

The Golf and Polo aren't the only Volkswagens pursuing the downsizing philosophy and replacing larger-capacity engines with smaller, turbocharged units.

Now, the mid-size Passat has joined the trend, replacing the 2.0-litre 103TDI diesel and 147TSI petrol engines with the more compact 1.8-litre 118TSI.

Along with strong efficiency claims, the 118TSI introduces a substantially lower starting price for the Passat.

What do you get?

The sedan version of the 118TSI, complete with the latest seven-speed version of VW's "DSG" dual-clutch automatic transmission, starts from $38,990 plus on-road and dealer costs. The wagon adds $2000.

The 1.8-litre engine is used throughout Volkswagen's car brands but that makes it no less laudable, as various awards attest.

It produces 118kW and 250Nm, averages 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres and accelerates from 0-100km/h in a claimed 8.7 seconds. Compare that with the old price leader, the turbo diesel 103TDI.

It was $4000 more expensive, produced 103kW and 320Nm, averaged 6.5L/100km and accelerated from rest to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.

Standard 118TSI equipment includes an electronic parking brake, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a trip computer, six-CD audio with eight speakers and an MP3-compatible SD card slot. However, Bluetooth is optional and the driver's seat is only partly powered.

The Passat has a five-star NCAP crash rating. It comes with front, side and curtain airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes. Front and rear parking assist and tyre-pressure indication are standard.

What's inside?

A price cut doesn't mean the 118TSI skimps on quality. The cabin still looks, feels and operates the way a Passat should.

The interior materials offer a prestige ambience and most components operate with exemplary ease. The driver gets plenty of seat movement and rake and reach adjustment of the steering wheel.

Storage options include door bins capable of taking full-size drink bottles, dual cup-holders and a centre bin with lid. The glovebox can be chilled.

Perhaps the least-convincing components are the radio-control presets, which are a tad confusing.

There is enough space for adults in the back seat and a decent amount of storage, including seat pockets. The bench seat is somewhat firm and a little thin.

The luggage area opens to hold 603 litres and up to 1731 litres with the rear split-fold seat out flat.

Under the bonnet:

The whole idea of engine downsizing is to be more efficient: the smaller capacity providing better economy, the low-blow turbo creating superior torque and, therefore, performance when needed.

There's no doubt the 118TSI engine delivers on both counts. With max torque kicking in at 1500rpm through to 4500rpm, there's quite enough smoothly delivered urge to satisfy all but the heaviest lead-foot.

Fuel economy during our test emerged at an average of 9.3L/100km, which is a good result considering it favours more-expensive premium unleaded. This will suffer, however, with a full load of passengers and luggage.

The other issue is the gearbox, which has that dual-clutch trademark baulkiness at very low speed. Otherwise, the seven-speeder is a clever bit of gear, shifting smoothly as an auto, even more slickly as a manual and downchanging intuitively when engine braking is needed.

On the road:

The 118TSI continues the Passat's reputation as a high-quality drive. It does have a little patter on roads with a lot of small bumps but that's a trade-off for the stability it offers in other circumstances.

Light low-speed steering and the parking sensors help with manoeuvring the wagon in car parks and other tight spaces.

Verdict:

If you are in the market for a mid-size wagon, the 118TSI makes the Passat an even worthier consideration. It is well engineered, well equipped and now better priced.

There are a few issues — such as the grumbly low-speed gearbox — but they are not enough to put us off.

At a glance:

How much? From $40,990 plus on-road and dealer costs.

Engine: 1.8-litre turbo petrol 4-cyl.

Power: 118kW at 4500rpm.

Torque: 250Nm at 1500-4500rpm.

Fuel use and emissions: 7.8L/100km and 169g/km CO2.

Transmission: 7-sp dual-clutch auto, FWD.

Weight: 1529kg.

Safety: 8 airbags; 5-star NCAP crash rating.

Pros: Well equipped and priced; decent fuel economy from downsized engine.

Cons: Dual-clutch auto grumbly at low speeds.

The competitors:

Mazda6 Touring Wagon:

From $38,120 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.5-litre 4-cyl; 125kW/226Nm; 5-sp auto; 8.9L/100km and 211g/km CO2; FWD. Good looks, value and safety. Engine lacks low-rev zest. Rating: 4/5

Subaru Liberty 2.5i Sports Wagon:

From $40,490 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.5-litre 4-cyl; 123kW/229Nm; continuously variable transmission; 8.4L/100km and 198g/km CO2; AWD. All-wheel-drive surety. Jiggly ride on sports suspension. Not yet rated.

Skoda Octavia 118 TSI Wagon

From $32,990 plus on-road and dealer costs. 1.8-litre turbo petrol 4-cyl; 118kW/250Nm; 7.2L/100km and 168g/km CO2 (6-sp man), 6.7L/100km and 157g/km CO2 (7-sp dual-clutch auto); FWD. Good fuel economy. Uses premium fuel; 7-speed auto a $2300 option. Rating: 3.5/5

For more on the Volkswagen Passat range, go to drive.com.au/vw