In order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its popular Passat model, Volkswagen has launched a new ninth-generation Passat station wagon. The new car will be launched in the UK before the end of this year and will only be available for travel. Version, equipped with upgraded four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a new plug-in hybrid power system. The latter can provide a pure electric driving range of more than 62 miles due to the use of a larger-capacity battery.
The new Passat shares its platform with the upcoming third-generation Skoda Superb and will be produced in Slovenia. The new Passat is one of a new range of Volkswagen models based on a new version of the MQB Evo platform, which will also be used in the upcoming third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, providing a stronger rear axle bracket and more advanced electrification, connectivity and chassis features.
The new Passat retains the MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, but has been heavily modified with new two-valve dampers and Volkswagen’s new Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) system, Volkswagen claimed that this move brings higher comfort and better driving stability.
The new Passat has also grown significantly in size, with length up by 144mm to 4917mm, width up by 20mm at 1852mm and height reduced by 10mm at 1506mm. On top of that, the wheelbase has also grown by 50mm, at 2841mm. The changes result in a roomier interior, with rear legroom increased by 50mm and boot volume increased by 40 liters to 690 liters, which can be expanded to 1920 liters by folding down the rear seats.
The new Passat also has a newly designed dashboard and a more luxurious interior. Standard configuration includes a 10.3-inch instrument display and a 12.9-inch central control display (15.0-inch is optional on the top model), running Volkswagen’s fourth-generation MIB operating system, with a simpler menu structure, higher-definition graphics and conversational voice control functions.
There’s also a new multi-function steering wheel with a pocket design that frees up space in the center console for larger cup holders and an optional smartphone charging pad.
The new car will be launched in four equipment lines: Passat, Business, Elegance and R-Line. Standard equipment includes LED headlights and taillights, smartphone mirrors, USB-C charging port and roof rack. Prices are expected to start at around £30,000 for the entry-level petrol version, rising to around £50,000 for the top-of-the-line hybrid.
The new Passat will be offered with a choice of eight different powertrains, including two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI petrol engines (201 hp and 262 hp respectively), three turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI diesels ( 121 hp, 148 hp and 190 hp), and a 48V mild-hybrid system (powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine outputting 148 hp). There are also two plug-in hybrid systems (with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine making 201 and 268 horsepower, respectively, in combination with an electric motor). The plug-in hybrid system has a battery capacity of 19.7kWh and can support DC fast charging of up to 50kW.
TSI petrol, TDI diesel and eTSI mild hybrid models are all available with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while the eHybrids PHEV comes standard with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. All models are front-wheel drive except for the 262bhp TSI and 190bhp TDI engine versions which feature 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The new Passat is also planned to launch a 300-horsepower all-wheel-drive high-performance version called the Passat R wagon, which is expected to debut in 2024.
