2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS Road Test

Sending twisting force to the transmission is a wide selection of engines, the base of which is the DOHC 5-valve per cylinder, 1.8-liter turbocharged inline 4-banger that

The DOHC 5-valve per cylinder, 1.8-liter turbocharged inline 4-banger produces 170-hp and 166 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

powered my sampler to the tune of 170-horsepower and 166 foot-pounds of torque. The other powerplants available in the Passat include a turbodiesel (TDI) 2.0-liter 134-horsepower I-4, a 2.8-liter 190-horsepower V6 and the ultimate, 4.0-liter 270-horsepower W8. My recent review of the W8 equipped Passat wagon, which can be found in the archives, expounded upon the virtues of this unique engine. But alas, this week's Passat is motivated by the high achieving, fuel efficient 1.8T.

Despite its diminutive displacement, there's an awful lot to appreciate in the popular 4-cylinder. The little bulldog of an engine is capable of providing the sizeable Passat sedan spirited performance, even when mated to the auto-box. The sizzle in the 1.8's performance can be credited to its turbo, which force-feeds plenty of oxygen into the four cylinders. When combined with a miniscule spray

The power output and subsequent acceleration provided by the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine is outstanding. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

of premium fuel, the mixture of CO2 and petrol rapidly combust before being ejected out the multiple exhaust valves per cylinder.

This increased flow of air translates into increased power, albeit the power doesn't really stand to attention much before 4,000 rpm. But once it does, it does so very enthusiastically. With 5-valves per-cylinder in operation, the engine never runs out of breath en route to its 6,500 rpm redline. Unfortunately lashing into the throttle quickly will generate a moment's hesitation as the engine's electronic technology processes the order and the turbocharger spools up the necessary airflow. This effect is most evident when full power is demanded during the idling stage. Nonetheless, when balanced against its displacement and fuel efficiency, the power output and subsequent acceleration provided by the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine is outstanding indeed.