VW Passat gets a new 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for 2014. This direct injection engine replaces a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder. While both engines have the same horsepower, the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder adds 7 pounds-feet of torque versus the 5-cylinder. The new 1.8-liter engine is paired with electro-mechanical power steering instead of the previous hydraulic power assisted rack- and-pinion set-up. During a week-long test drive, this driver was highly impressed with the electro-mechanical steering’s responsiveness. Rear seat riders appreciated the 39.1 inches of legroom, and they liked the smooth ride provided by a 4-link independent rear suspension with telescopic dampers.

The new 1.8-liter engine produces 170 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 184 pounds-feet of torque at 1500 rpm. Front wheel drive Passat also is available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel-fueled engine, or a 280 horsepower/258 pounds-feet of torque V6. With a suggested starting price of $20,845, all Passat model trims (S, Wolfsburg Edition, SE and SEL) come with VW’s Intelligent Crash Response System. The system unlocks doors, shuts off the fuel pump and turns on the hazard lights if a collision occurs. The 110.4-inch wheelbase Passat SEL Premium carries a MSRP of $30,895 and collects estimated mpg of 24 city and 34 highway.