Volkswagen has upgraded the engines in the Jetta and Passat. The launch of new engines has been timed to meet the new Bharat Stage IV emission norms which go into effect in 13 cities from April 1, 2010.

VW has replaced the 1.9-litre 105bhp Pumpe-düse (PD) motor with a refined and frugal 16-valve 2.0 common-rail turbo diesel engine in the Jetta. The same engine is being used in the Passat, but under the hood of the lighter Jetta, this 1968cc common-rail diesel, which produces 139bhp, will broaden the appeal of VW’s executive saloon.

However, to price the Jetta competitively, VW has not offered the upgraded Jetta with DSG twin-clutch transmission and it will be available with manual transmission only. The Jetta 2.0-litre common-rail diesel Comfortline is priced at Rs 15.92 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.

The Passat on the other hand gets a petrol heart for the first time since its launch. VW has plonked the turbocharged direct injection 1.8-litre petrol engine under the hood of the Passat. This is the same engine that currently powers the Skoda Laura. This direct injection powerplant has a massive 25.5kgm of torque from a low 1500rpm which should give the Passat a very strong performance, with a 0-100kph time of under nine seconds.

The Passat TSI will take on the competition to the Honda Accord and with a price tag of Rs 19.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the VW undercuts the big Honda by a small amount.