A NEW fuel-efficient petrol engine is to be introduced by Volkswagen on facelifted versions of the T-Roc SUV and cabriolet.

The German car maker is launching its latest 1.5 TSI evo engine in the two models and will initially be available with an output of 150ps.

VW says that the new evo2 engine will be introduced on other models before the year is out.

"The 1.5 TSI is a key pillar of the Volkswagen engine range because it powers many models worldwide, from the T-Crossthrough to the Passat Variant," said Thomas Ulbrich, VW;s technical development director.

"We have continuously enhanced the compact four-cylinder unit. It now offers significant fuel consumption benefits and a very dynamic response. The highlights of the latest version include active cylinder management ACTplus, an emission control module close to the engine and the modern TSI-Evo combustion process."

Details of fuel efficiency and emissions of the new engine have still to be announced but the current evo engine in the T-Roc results in an official figure of around 47 miles per gallon.