Volkswagen has released new information about the highly anticipated next generation 1.8T engine that replaces the aging 2.5-liter five cylinder. We learned that the engine will be phased into the 2014 model year lineup starting with the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta and 2014 Volkswagen Passat SEL. The rest of the Passat line as well as the 2014 Beetle models will receive the powerplant a little later in the year.
The really juicy details are the power and economy rating. The EA888 generation 1.8T turbocharged and direct injected engine produces 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Volkswagen has not yet provided the rpm for the power rating, but it does point out that this matches the power output of the old 2.5-liter and provides 7 more torques and at much lower rpm. This is great news for the power hungry enthusiasts.
The even better news is that Volkswagen predicts this motor to get a 16% improvement in highway fuel economy over the old 5-banger. Lets do a little math. The 2013 Jetta 2.5 gets 33 MPG on the highway. If you add a 16% improvement on top of that, then you get 38 MPG! Impressive! A combined city and highway rating should be 30 MPG or a little higher. By the way, the new 1.8T does not require premium fuel (according to EPA website). EPA rates the 2014 Jetta 1.8T at 36 MPG highway, and it hits these marks on plain old regular unleaded.
This is truly – Affordable Fun to the People.
Volkswagen has not yet revealed the pricing of the new 2014 lineup, nor do we know when the first 1.8T powered cars will reach the dealerships. Stay tuned for this information.
We cannot wait to get behind the wheel of 1.8T powered Jetta, Passat, and Beetle. In the meantime, enjoy this fun TFLcar review of the 2011 Jetta being introduced for the first time.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been a contributor at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or simply ‘going for a drive’.
