2014 Volkswagen Passat TSI Sport

While the current-generation Passat has achieved its fair share of awards and recognition (including being named our 2012 Car of the Year), many had one bit of criticism of the model: the base version's 2.5-liter, inline five-cylinder engine.

Even with claims of a hereditary connection to the heady V-10 found in the Lamborghini Gallardo, the little I-5 was often derided for its lack of low-end grunt and moaning engine note. As the Rodney Danger-filed of modern powertrains, it just couldn't get no respect.

2014 Volkswagen Passat TSI Sport

That 2.5 carries on halfway through the 2014 model year as the Passat's entry-level engine, featured alongside the new 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4 that will ultimately succeed it. Essentially a destroyed version of VW's new EA888 2.0-liter turbo, the new 1.8T makes the same horsepower as the soon-to-be-discontinued 2.5, but it produces 7 more lb-ft of torque and makes it lower in the powerband - 184 lb-ft at 1,500rpm versus 177 lb-ft at 4,250rpm. The new engine eschews VW's dual-clutch gearbox for a less complex, conventional six0speed automatic.

Volkswagen is also introducing its VW Car-Net connected service

Other changes for 2014 include a switch from hydraulic to electric-assist steering on 1.8T-equipped cars, a move that frees up precious engine power and improves fuel efficiency, while thankfully retaining a hint of steering feel and solid weighting. Volkswagen is also introducing its VW Car-Net connected service, a built-in cellular system for roadside assistance and automatic crash notification, along with a smartphone app that allows for even more features.

The paddle-shifted manual mode was reasonably responsive for highway passing and back-road fun

On the road, the new 1.8T proves up to the task, providing strong, smooth power moving away from stoplights and a sporty, if subdued, engine note to boot - it's basically a 2.0T Lite. Our six-speed automatic tester shifted smoothly and kept revs low on the freeway for quiet cruising, and the paddle-shifted manual mode was reasonably responsive for highway passing and back-road fun. At launch, the 1.8T is available only with VW's upscale SEL Premium trim level, though it will trickle down to lower trim levels before 2014 has concluded, as the 2.5 fades to black.