130kW Passat since Jan 2013?

[Marakai]

So, was chatting on the German Passat forum and came across the news that since Jan '13 all Passats (CCs, Alltracks, the lot) that were previously 125kW models are now issued with whoppingly boosted 130kW. That applies to all vehicles rolling off the assembly belts as of a couple of weeks ago (i.e. mid-Jan). Essentially it sounds like the Audi Allroad engine: 130kW/380NM from 125kW/350NM.

I doubt they'd create different engine lines just for Australia, so I wonder what the ADR folks think of such a "stealth upgrade"?

[dopey]

Could be possible, but to be honest I'm not that worried nor do I feel ripped off because the 125kw/350nm is already a stupid amount of power for a run of the mill front-wheel-drive family car. I'm a fairly enthusiastic driver, so the amount of wheel spin I encourage driving around without much effort probably makes me look like a real spaz. I wish I could put the power down better.

The upgrade might be useful for Alltrack buyers, though.

[drad81]

130kW Passat since Jan 2013?

In happy with the Alltracks power but you can never have enough.
Oettinger have an ecu upgrade that brings the car to 143kw and 420nm.
I'm sure it's a matter of time before there are more power upgrade options for the 125 tdi.

[Cossor]

An extra 5kw?
Nice to boast about the numbers and feel happy about a good choice.
(I have a 125TDi on order)
But would anyone really notice the difference? In a practical sense?

[Marakai]

An extra 5kw?
Nice to boast about the numbers and feel happy about a good choice.
(I have a 125TDi on order)
But would anyone really notice the difference? In a practical sense?

I doubt it, it'd say more about being sure that your model is indeed aligned with what else is rolling about in other countries. "Bug-compatible" we call it in IT. Seeing as it's likely just a firmware tweak.

BTW, when asked my dealer said that it will still only be 125kW in Aus. To which I asked, whether that means my car is already built after all, and in that case can I haz a VIN pl0x? Reply to that, no car built yet. So, totally confused: if all models rolling down the line since January are tweaked, yet mine supposedly is not built yet, then are they actually doing special runs with "old" 125kW?

Checklist: steering wheel on right and engine downgraded! That sort of thing? Would be weird.

Or my dealer isn't en vogue with the rapid dissemination of Interwebz news...

[Diesel_vert]

I doubt they'd create different engine lines just for Australia, so I wonder what the ADR folks think of such a "stealth upgrade"?

Hardly.

VW would have submitted the necessary paperwork (well before January 2013) to the relevant government department before importing the vehicle.

[brad]

An extra 5kw?
Nice to boast about the numbers and feel happy about a good choice.
(I have a 125TDi on order)
But would anyone really notice the difference? In a practical sense?

People reckon they can feel 5kw when they've upgraded their airfilter The extra 30nm would be more noticeable & handy I think.

[FSI 220]

Checklist: steering wheel on right and engine downgraded! That sort of thing? Would be weird.

That is exactly what they do ... Just ask anyone with a Golf R.... 8 or so killowatts go missing due to "hot climate protection..."

[Amalgam]

Der Passat Variant in 14 Ausstattungsvarianten. < Der neue Passat Variant < Modelle

130TDI is now available in Germany.

[Marakai]

Der Passat Variant in 14 Ausstattungsvarianten. < Der neue Passat Variant < Modelle

130TDI is now available in Germany.

And Entdecken Sie die Vielseitigkeit des Passat Alltrack. < Passat Alltrack < Modelle shows that the update has been applied to the Alltracks as well.

[davo]

First Australian review I've seen mentioning the upgraded 130kW/380Nm engine: Volkswagen Passat Alltrack car review - The West Australian. Volkswagen.com.au and all dealer sites I've seen are still showing 125kW/350Nm though.

[toto]

Can confirm we are getting the 130tdi in Australia soon.

Whilst insuring my superseded new 125tdi that will be ready for pickup thursday, all major insurance companies had it listed as MY13.5 130tdi highline.

Must admit that takes the shine off picking my new car up knowing it is now the older version

[Marakai]

Can confirm we are getting the 130tdi in Australia soon.

Whilst insuring my superseded new 125tdi that will be ready for pickup thursday, all major insurance companies had it listed as MY13.5 130tdi highline.

Must admit that takes the shine off picking my new car up knowing it is now the older version

Bummer, do you know when yours went into production? It would have had to been before January, as that's when they upgrade happened.

[toto]

Arrived in Qld feb 13, so guessing nov build date.

[Marakai]

Arrived in Qld feb 13, so guessing nov build date.

It still makes you wonder: the bump is almost certainly a mere chip/firmware upgrade, however as the original DSG was only rated to 350NM, is there now actually a new model of DSG or is it the very same simply found to be certifiable up to the new 380NM?

In that case you may yet get the benefit from as little as a software upgrade!

Pigs may also learn to fly...