Volkswagen has revealed full details of its next generation Passat and the highlights are its lightweight body technology, improved connectivity touchscreen infotainment and a plug-in hybrid when it goes on sale in the UK next January. The new diesel engine will have a massive 369lb ft torque and will be mated to a new seven speed DQ500 dual-clutch transmission.
The new VW Passat will have all-wheel drive 4Motion as standard to keep the high torque under control. VW claims that the new car will give 56mpg along with the entry level 1.6 litre giving 118bhp and a 2.0 litre Volkswagen engine with two outputs, 148bhp and 188bhp. There will be five new petrol engines in the VW range.
These will include 1.4 litre of 123bhp, a same of 148bhp, 1.8 Litre of 177bhp, 2.0litre of 217bhp and 2.0 Litre of 276bhp. The 1.4 litre engine of 134bhp will be fitted with cylinder deactivation. The new Passat is based on the latest variation of VW’s MQB platform, which also underpins the Polo and Golf. Heinz-Jakob Neusser, VW brand chief, says the passenger compartment is now 1830mm long, an increase that adds a useful 33mm to rear passenger knee room.
The new VW will be revealed at the Paris motor show in October and will be available in the UK showrooms from January 2015. VW will be launched in two body variants at the start, a four door saloon and five door hatch. Both trims will have greater carrying capacity, the estate featuring a 650-litre boot, an increase of 47 litres, 50-litres more than the Octavia Estate and a massive 113-litre bigger than the next Ford Mondeo Estate.
There is a new touchscreen interface that allows sat-nav routes to be adjusted, tablet-style, by finger pressure. There will be better integration of mobile device with new apps available. Prices are expected to start from around £21,000.
