Volkswagen has unveiled the all-new Passat at a ceremony at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, Germany. It will receive its public premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October
Everything in this car is new; its design, technologies and engines. The Passat sets new standards with an unladen weight that has been reduced by up to 85kg and fuel economy figures that have been improved by up to 20%.
For the first time, there will also be a Passat with a plug-in hybrid drive system. In its design and in the advanced features it offers, the new Passat bridges the gap between the upper medium and premium class.
A highlight of the Passat’s new range of engines is a high-performance, four-cylinder, 2.0-litre, bi-turbo diesel delivering 238bhp and an extraordinary 368lb/ft of torque from 1,750rpm.
This engine will be available only with a new seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
A plug-in hybrid model will also be offered, with potential to travel 31 miles on battery power alone, and with a maximum range of around 600 miles.
Further details and UK pricing are expected to be announced at the time of the Paris Motor Show. UK sales will start before the end of the year, with first deliveries expected in early 2015.