The all new eighth-generation VW Passat has been revealed ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. It is designed to go more high-class as VW hopes a more lustrous image and improved tech will help it to take the fight to BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.
It has soft lines and an elegant wide profile, the new Passat in 14mm lower and 12mm wider than its predecessor. The front end integrates the brand’s new identity, with the three bar chrome grille merging with the swept back headlights.
Technology and comfort is the main theme when it comes to interior as it has a new fully configurable 12.3-inch TFT display. It is not a standard feature across the range but a separate 6.5-inch colour display in the centre console is fitted across the range.
The new Passat has more passenger space than before as the front and rear overhangs are shorter. The boot space is up by 21 litres to 586 litres. The estate model has been increased by 47 litres to 650 litres.
The Passat sits on a stretched version of the ubiquitous MQB platform helping shed 85kg from the weight of the car. There are changes to the Passat engine line-up with the 154bhp 1.4-litre TSI engine and 107bhp electric motor taken from the Golf GTE.
There is a new 237bhp 2.0 TDI BiTurbo engine which develops 500Nm of torque but is only available only with a DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive, delivering 53mpg. The most popular engine is the 118bhp 1.6 litre TDI along with the 148bhp and 188bhp versions of the 2.0 litre TDI. The price should start at £22,000 but formal prices will be announced at the Paris Motor Show.
