Volkswagen to use 1.8-liter turbocharged engine in 2014 models

Volkswagen has announced some changes it will be introducing in the 2014 model year, among them being a replacement of the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine currently used in the Beetle, Passat, and Jetta with a 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection 4-cylinder TSI engine. In addition, the auto maker will also be expanding its R-Line with five new models.

In particular, the VW Jetta SE and SEL models will get a new 170-horsepower 1.8-liter engine, which will boost its mileage rating by about 16-percent. In addition, all of the Jetta models will be changed up to offer independent rear suspension, as well as some technology changes that include Navigation in select models, and an MFI high-res display in the instrument panel.

The 2014 Beetles will also be seeing a new 1.8-liter engine, which has an estimated highway fuel economy boost of 17-percent, a tad higher than the increase for the Jetta models. The Turbo model will be replaced with the Beetle R-Line model, gaining new bumpers, badging, and the option for Bi-Xenon headlamps and 19-inch wheels.

The Passat will see new trimmings and the new 1.8-liter engine, with Volkswagen saying this will start with the SEL model. The new engine will give the Passat 184 lb-ft of torque, as well as new electro-mechanical steering, which will trump the current hydraulic offering. The VW Car-Net system will be available in the Wolfsburg and higher editions.

In general, all the Volkswagen models will be E15 capable starting with the 2014 models, and the VW Car-Net connectivity system will be rolled out in "a broad range of models." The auto maker has added the Touareg R-Line to its lineup of vehicles, as well as the addition of an R-Line to the Tiguan range. The Routan, meanwhile, will be carried over without change only as a fleet model.

SOURCE: VW