One particular highlight of the new car’s engine range is a more powerful four-cylinder diesel producing 240 PS and 500Nm of torque – the sorts of figures that were previously the preserve of Mercedes’ most powerful diesel fours, not mainstream engines. Passats fitted with this engine will be available only with a new seven-speed version of Volkswagen’s DSG gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. There will also be a plug-in hybrid offering the potential to travel up to 31 miles on battery power alone, and with a maximum range of up to 600 miles.
Among the other technical highlights of the new model are a so-called Active Info Display, a large LCD screen that replaces the conventional instrument panel, a heads-up display, and further developments to Volkswagen’s Park Assist system. All new Passats will have LED tail-lights, and headlights will use either halogen or LED technology.
Volkswagen will release further details and the first photographs of the next Passat in early July. The new model will be shown publicly for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in the Autumn, and the first cars are expected to arrive in the UK early next year.
