By Christopher Tan

The R36, a Passat on steroids, is very good indeed. You get refinement and power. But it is not the only Volkswagen here with sizeable oomph.

The manufacturer has brought in diesel cars that can match the big petrol Passat in a show of muscles - while consuming less fuel.

It is in fact the first brand to offer a full range of diesel passenger cars - from mini Polo to monstrous SUVs. The move follows a tax cut that applies to 'clean' diesel cars, which kicks in this month.

Diesels that comply with Euro IV emission standards (or cleaner) will attract a supplementary tax of $1.25 per cubic cm of its engine displacement.

For bigger cars, this works out to half the previous tax amounts. A 1,600cc model will attract a supplementary tax of $2,000, down from $2,976 now; a 2,000cc, $2,500 from $4,856; and a 2,500cc, $3,126 from $7,200.

The new tax is subject to a minimum of $1,250 per year.

This new rule is expected to make diesel cars viable for the first time in over 30 years.

VW is quick to fill the potential demand. It will start selling the ultra-frugal and low-emission 1.2-litre three-cylinder Polo BlueMotion from next weekend.

There will also be a 3.0-litre V6 Touareg SUV, which can cover nearly 1,000km on a full tank.

For those who are seeking performance rather than economy, there is the R50 Touareg, which dispenses 750Nm of torque.

These three models will be followed by diesel models of the Passat sedan, Touran MPV and Tiguan crossover.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 19 July 2008.

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