VW Passat line-up to grow

Volkswagen’s upcoming MQB platform will allow the firm to grow its Passat range even further, Autocar has learned. The versatile MQB structure will be introduced first on the new Audi A3 at next month’s Geneva motor show. It will then be rolled out across a whole range of VW Group cars, underpinning everything up to the VW CC.

Stefan Buhrmann, VW’s marketing chief for mid to full-sized cars, confirmed that replacements for the Passat range — currently including saloon, estate, CC and Alltrack variants — would be launched off the MQB structure. He also said MQB provided “a boost” in presenting chances to grow the Passat range further.

“MQB definitely provides more opportunities for us,” he told Autocar. “With the Passat, we can offer many different designs and wheelbases, and can be much more flexible with engines.”

The Phaeton also comes under Buhrmann’s remit, and he confirmed work was continuing on its successor, with another round of improvements likely soon for the current car. “We don’t see the Phaeton as a one-time event,” he said. “We work on every project and want to grow the Phaeton.”