German automobile manufacturer, Volkswagen (VLKAY, Financial), dreams of ruling the globe with its cars being ahead in the race, even with the market honcho, Toyota (TM, Financial). To match the management's expectations and to achieve the target of superceding Toyota in the sale count, the company has announced the release of the eighth generation Passat, which is expected to rock the streets in the United Kingdom in January 2015. Let’s delve into further details to understand the new offering,which has been described as “the most successful European business car” when it was officially revealed back in July.
The shared details
The German manufacturer has recently revealed that the car would be offered with diesel engines, ranging in power from a 1.6-liter 120 PS through two 2.0 liter units with 150 PS or 190 PS, to a range-topping-2.0-liter bi-turbo with 240 PS, DSG gearbox and 4MOTION four-wheel drive. The new Passat will also have a plug-in hybrid version, to be launched by October 2015 in the U.K. With stricter emissions standards, Volkswagon aims to leave no stone unturned to kick off a fuel-efficient version of the popular Passat in order to gain traction in the hybrid vehicles market.
The new plug-in hybrid is expected to be launched at the public premiere Paris motor show on Oct. 2. The hybrid version will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles when it goes on sale across Europe during the second half of 2015.
The eminent features
At launch, the Passat diesel engine version will have five different trim levels: S, SE, SE business, GT and R-line. The model will have standard features such as spot-collision braking system, adaptive cruise control, pre-crash braking system and many more attractive points.
The new VW Passat will attempt to lay challenge to more up-market offerings such as the latest BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class. Though the new Passat would be considerably smaller than the seventh generation due to the adoption of the highly flexible MQB platform structure that is also used by the Skoda Octavia and new Audi A3, this model is slated to be more spacious and more practical than the existing model it replaces.
Due to use of the MQB modular platform for its production, the curb weight of the new Passat is being lowered and the powertrain has also become more fuel-efficient. The model looks less rakish than an early batch of official sketches had suggested otherwise, and the production version is built on the edgy look of its predecessor, albeit with flatter profile for providing enhanced visual strength.
Volkswagon's CEO Martin Winterkorn said, “The new Passat offers more value for money, because it transfers technologies and features into the mid-range segment, which are normally limited to up-market cars. It is designed to be a premium car without premium cost and it is designed to be eye-catching without envy.”
The model also has extra-security technology, including side-assist with rear traffic alert, traffic jam assist, emergency assists, and the latest version of the Front assist system with city emergency braking.
Final word
As the Passat awaits its formal launch in the Paris auto show, Volkswagen seems all set to reach to the hearts of car buyers who want a cheap price tag and a fuel efficient powertrain. Though most of the features are likely to be present in the vehicles launched by other automakers, Volkswagen’s Passat could create a difference. So, let’s keep watching.
