Volkswagen Passat Launched

Volkswagen  has launched its eighth generation Passat in India. The new generation Passat was first revealed in 2014 globally and has been on sale for two years in the international market. The company has already started the production of 2017 Passat at its Aurangabad facility. The new Passat is based on the Volkswagen's MQB platform and shares its underpinnings with Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Superb.






The Passat gets a sharper design language over its predecessor. Compared to its predecessor, the proportions are better with a longer wheelbase and a lower body. Characterized by horizontal lines, it features a crisp and angular shape. You also get a wide triple-slat grille, LED headlamps with signature DRLs and dynamic Light Assist feature.




At the rear, the up level LED taillights change their graphics from horizontal to vertical when the brakes are applied. The overall design looks smoother and clutter-free and the car looks longer as well. However, the new Passat is 2 mm shorter, but gets a 79 mm longer wheelbase. In the process, the new generation Passat gets shorter overhangs, while the model is also 12 mm wider and 14 mm lower than the previous model. The boot capacity has been increased by 26 litres to 586 litres.
The cabin is a lovely looking thing as it's clutter free and simple. A 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster makes it to the Passat, shared with the Audi TT, while you also get the touchscreen infotainment system on the centre console with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition to this, the sedan comes with new Park Assist, Head Up Display (HUD) unit, and a host of new safety features on board.



It comes with a 2.0 litre TDI engine that produces 177 hp of power and 350Nm of toque. The TDI engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. There's no manual transmission on offer. Sadly, due to the current taxation structure in India, Volkswagen will not be bringing in the plug-in hybrid version of the Passat yet, but it is on the cards. The new Passat is available at an introductory price tag of Rs 29.99 lakh for the lower-spec Comfortline variant and Rs 32.99 lakh for the top-end Highline variant (all prices ex-showroom).


The all-new Volkswagen Passat will have a host of rivals to compete against including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord as well as its Czech sibling the Skoda Superb.

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