VOLKSWAGEN has introduced new technology diesel engines to replace the well-established 110bhp TDI engine across all models except the Sharan. The new 1.9 TDI 'PD' 115bhp unit is introduced to 22 models offering 20% more torque plus traction control and a six-speed manual gearbox on most models, but with no price increase.

Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions remain unchanged. The new PD technology - derived from the German 'pumpe duse', meaning unit injector - sees fuel injected at significantly higher pressure than in TDi technology, allowing better mixing of fuel and air. In turn this allows more fuel and air to be burnt cleanly. In the Passat saloon, the TDI PD develops 115bhp at 4,000 rpm, compared with 110bhp at 4,150 rpm on the outgoing unit. In addition torque increases from 173lb-ft at 1,900rpm to 210lb-ft at the same engine speed, 0-62mph speed improves from 11.3 seconds in the 110 TDI to 10.7 seconds for the PD, while top speed increases from 121mph to 124mph.