It’s petrol power

THE great switch from petrol to diesel gets underway this weekend with yesterday’s announcement that Europe’s biggest car company is to offer petrol alternatives to its dieselonly ranges for the first time.

Volkswagen’s reaction to the diesel debate is to add petrolpowered versions of its popular Passat saloon and estate models, plus the Tiguan SUV ranges.

The move is in response to claims diesel vehicles are less environmentally-friendly and possibly more harmful to humans than petrol models.

From yesterday, the Passat and Tiguan ranges will receive four new petrol engines, with savings of virtually £2000 on the purchase price plus ongoing cost savings during ownership.

The Passat Saloon and Estate get petrol engine options ranging from a 1.4-litre 125bhp to a 2.0-litre 220bhp, plus a 1.4-litre 150bhp with Active Cylinder Technology. This closes part of the engine when it is not needed to reduce friction and improve economy.

For the first time, the sporty R-Line trim is being made available with an entry-level engine in the Passat, in the guise of the 1.4-litre 125bhp Passat R-Line.

When it comes to company car tax, the £23,775 Passat 1.4 SE Business six-speed manual, produces a BIK rating of 22%, meaning a standard rate tax payer would incur a tax charge of £6,880 over three years.

The equivalent 2.0-litre diesel driver would pay £7,746 over the same 36 months due to the car’s £25,675 price and 23% BIK rate.

The new petrol-powered Passats mirror the equipment specifications of their diesel equivalents, and will cost an average of about £1,900 less.

The most expensive petrolpowered Passat is the 220bhp 2.0-litre R-Line with DSG automatic transmission at £34,255.

Additionally, seven new petrol derivatives are added to the Tiguan range. The 1.4-litre 125bhp 2WD is introduced on the SE and SE Nav trim lines, offering a lower entry price from £25,000.

The 1.4-litre 150bhp 2WD model with automatic DSG transmission becomes available on the SEL and R-Line which, being priced from £29,900, also creates a lower entry point.

There is a 4WD petrol version of the Tiguan in SE Nav trim, with a 150bhp 1.4-litre engine from £28,590, but the most expensive is the 2WD R-Line automatic costing £32,215.