This is the eighth generation Volkswagen Passat which has been unveiled for the first time to the world’s media before it goes on sale in October.
An estate and saloon will be available from launch and there will be four trims to choose from; S, SE, SE Business and GT. Both SE and SE Business are expected to be the most popular (making up 75 percent of sales).
Only one 2.0-litre diesel engine will make its way to the UK with a choice of three power outputs: 148bhp, 187bhp and 236bhp.
The 148bhp diesel is likely to be the most popular as it offers CO2 emissions as low as 108g/km meaning a 17 percent BIK tax band for the current tax year.
A 1.6-litre diesel engine will join the range shortly after launch accompanied by a frugal BlueMotion diesel. A petrol-electric hybrid will also be released sometime in 2015 which is said to be able to travel as far as 50km on electric power alone.
Roomier than before
The design changes have been subtle with a new grille and headlight design, a reshaped rear bumper and some new LED lighting.
Shorter and lower than its predecessor, the new Passat has more head, leg and luggage room than before, making the new car not only more practical but more compact and sportier looking too.
In addition to the design changes, the new Passat also debuts some interesting kit for the first time including a new digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel, a head-up display system and the latest-generation infotainment system which includes a 6.5-inch colour screen as standard.
Safety kit has also been a key focus in the production of the new Passat and the car includes some new features. The first is Emergency Assist which will stop the car if the steering wheel gets no input from the driver after a certain amount of time. Also new is a pedestrian monitoring system, City Emergency Braking and a new Assist system to help when you’re reversing with a trailer.
The new Passat will have its official public unveil at the Paris Motor Show in September and then go on sale on October 7th this year with first deliveries in January 2015.
Parkers will be among the first to drive the new Passat – keep checking back for our full review.
