VOLKSWAGEN has introduced its most powerful diesel engine yet into the UK market in Passat saloon and estate models. The 2.5-litre 150bhp V6 TDI has gone on sale with a five-speed Tiptronic transmission, combining an automatic with manual gear change control, priced at £25,350 on the road for the saloon and £26,300 for the estate. A six-speed manual gearbox version goes on sale next month at £23,950 and £24,900 for the saloon and estate respectively.

The 2.5-litre engine provides 228.63lb-ft of torque from 1,500-3,200rpm, with 150bhp at 4,000rpm. The saloon travels from 0-62mph in 9.4secs and the estate in 9.6secs. Combined fuel consumption figures are 41.5mpg and 40.4mpg respectively. The vehicles emit 184g/km of CO2 as a manual saloon, the saloon Tiptronic 211g/km, while the estate manual emits 189g/km and the estate Tiptronic 219g/km.