Volkswagen has revealed the seventh generation of its Passat at the Paris motor show, ahead of order books opening in mid-October.
The new model is based on the same underpinnings as the outgoing car, although every body panel has been changed. It’s just four millimetres longer than the old car, at 4769mm, but its width and height remain unchanged.
See the official pics of the new VW Passat - plus pics from the Paris motor show
Styling changes include a fresh front grille and headlight treatment, and more chrome and new tail-lights at the rear. Inside there’s a revised fascia with new instrument dials and finishes, redesigned seats and a slightly revised centre console.
The line-up of petrol engines comprises a 1.4-litre 120bhp TSI, a 158bhp 1.8, and a 2.0-litre 207bhp TSI. The diesels are a 1.6-litre motor with 104bhp, offering 68.8mpg and 109g/km of CO2 in Bluemotion guise, and a 2.0 with either 138bhp or 168bhp.
Read Matt Prior's blog: It's dull but it makes sense
Manual and DSG gearboxes will be offered. VW says the new Passat will offer safety features normally reserved for luxury vehicles, including a “city emergency braking” function that automatically slows the car at speeds below 18mph when it senses an impending collision.
A fatigue detection system will also be offered as standard on the majority of the range. VW says the first deliveries of the car to UK buyers should take place in January 2011.
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Re: New VW Passat unveiled
Must be part of the new Volkswagen Elements Pack. A de-misting cloth and ice scaper in the glovebox, a wooly hat and gloves and a can of RainX in the boot. Worth every penny of the £2,300 charge for a package of optional extras essential for motoring in the British winter.
Re: New VW Passat unveiled
I know it sounded daft (to the point I started to think I'd been had) but according to another website, the new Passat will feature a 'wiperless window cleaning system'.
I find this impressive and intriguing. Anyone have any idea how it works?
Re: New VW Passat unveiled
Utter, utter, bollox.