[Daox]

If only it were to ever get into production... Heck, I wouldn't mind a 1.2L in my way smaller Paseo!

Here at Bosch’s test track, an ’09 Volkswagen Passat “Extreme Downsizing” demonstration vehicle has a new 1.2L 3-cyl. engine from Mahle Powertrain with a single-stage turbocharger from the JV.

And despite its diminutive size, the engine performs remarkably well in powering the spacious 5-passenger Passat wagon around Bosch’s high-speed oval at more than 112 mph (180 km/h).

With a manual transmission, the engine is a bit hesitant at launch, but throttle response is excellent at mid-range and high engine speeds, with a fat torque curve that peaks at 210 lb.-ft. (285 Nm) from 1,600 to 3,500 rpm.

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A casual driver would be unlikely to guess such a small engine is underhood.

The 1.2L engine is rated at an astounding 161 hp at 5,000 rpm, compared with 121 hp in the production engine it replaces, a 1.4L TSI direct-injection gasoline 4-cyl.

And mileage isn’t bad, either. Bosch pegs fuel consumption at 40 mpg (5.9L/100 km), based on the European driving cycle.

Maximum boost pressure of the demonstration single-stage turbocharger is 36 psi (2.5 bar). The prototype engine also integrates cam phasing on both intake and exhaust sides of the valvetrain.

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Bosch officials say the engine installation in the Passat is merely a coincidence and is not intended to suggest Volkswagen is the first light-vehicle customer for the new turbochargers.

3-Cyl. Passat Illustrates ‘Extreme Downsizing’