New gen Volkswagen Passat gets power from 2.0L TDI engine making 177 PS and is the first VW sedan to be based on the MQB architecture
Volkswagen India discontinued the previous generation Passat two years ago and during that time a new model debuted globally. The German automaker has brought the eighth iteration of the Passat sold internationally to India and the market launch has happened today. The Passat had long been a highly desirable sedan for domestic customers in its early days but as the segment expanded and new rivals came in, it sort of lost its mojo.
As the German luxury trio of Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW started exploring new entry-level segments, the premium executive class was put under threat and resultantly the sales of Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord deteriorated. The latter re-entered the market with an expensive hybrid version already while the new-gen Passat has been re-launched with a hope of resurrecting its past glory.
As the desire for upmarket hybrid sedans is on the way despite GST taxation, VW showcased the GTE Plug-in Hybrid of the Passat at the Auto Expo 2016 and it is likely to be launched in the future. It will strengthen the brand’s portfolio in the premium space considering that the Tiguan SUV has recently entered the market. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2017 Volkswagen Passat sedan:
The new generation Passat executive model is the first VW sedan to be based on the MQB platform and the second vehicle following Tiguan.
2017 Volkswagen Passat India Price
| Volkswagen Passat Price | Rs. 29.99 Lakh and Rs. 32.99 Lakh |
The all-new VW Passat, as we predicted, has been priced at Rs. 29.99 lakh for the Comfortline trim while the Highline carries a price of Rs. 32.99 lakh (ex-showroom prices).
2017 Volkswagen Passat Engine Specifications
| 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI Diesel engine | 177 PS and 350 Nm torque |
| Transmission | Six-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic |
| 1.8-litre four-cylinder TSI Petrol engine | 182 PS and 250 Nm torque |
| Transmission | Seven-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic |
The new Passat will likely feature a petrol engine at a later time of its lifespan. The 1.8-litre four-cylinder TSI unit can also be found propelling the Skoda Octavia and the latest generation Superb. It is good enough to develop a maximum power output of 180 horsepower from 5,100 rpm to 6,200 rpm and 250 Nm torque. It will likely be coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission only.
Also Read: All New 2016 Volkswagen Passat Spied Testing in India
However at the launch a 2.0-litre TDI diesel motor has been made available. The mill pumps out 177 PS between 3,600 and 4,000 rpm and has a peak torque figure of 350 Nm between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm. It transfers power to all four wheels through a six-speed DSG automatic with Tiptronic manual gear changing as similar to the Skoda Superb.
As announced at the Auto Expo 2016, the German automaker will be launching the GTE plug-in hybrid version of the Passat as well in limited numbers later. It could be brought into the country via CBU route and is expected to have a petrol-electric hybrid system equipped in a 215 bhp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine. It will take on Honda Accord Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.
Also Read: Volkswagen Passat GTE Unveiled at 2016 Delhi Auto Expo
2017 Volkswagen Passat Mileage
| Diesel mileage | 19 kmpl |
| Petrol Mileage | 15 kmpl |
The petrol might return 15 kmpl if/when it enters market while the confirmed diesel’s mileage will possibly be claimed at around 19 kmpl. The GTE will be a more fuel efficient version though.
2017 Volkswagen Passat Exterior
The eighth generation Volkswagen Passat is a modern take on its predecessor with a matured styling. Despite sharing very little with the outgoing version, it will be slightly smaller in proportions and built around the flexible MQB architecture. It will have increase cabin space compared to the axed Passat and is said to be well suited for Indian conditions.
The premium executive sedan shares more than 50 percent of components with the latest-gen Superb. The new Passat adorns redesigned bumpers, newly designed bonnet and fenders to boast an aggressive and sleeker stance. It gets sharp LED headlamps with dynamic Light Assist, three chrome slats on the radiator grille, flared wheel arches, etc.
2017 Volkswagen Passat Interior and Features
The interior changes will be huge as it comes equipped with latest infotainment system using high responsive capacitive screens, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It will come equipped with 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster taken directly from the Audi TT sportscar and a HUD (Head Up Display). The total trunk space is around 586 litres – 26 litres more than its predecessor.
The Passat gets redesigned dash with continuous vent-like feature running along the length while the centre console houses the touchscreen display and automatic climate control module. The premium sedan gains a three-spoke steering wheel, twin-pod instrument cluster, park assist, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, ABS, standard airbags, 260 degree camera, etc.
2017 Volkswagen Passat Safety Features
The safety features in the new-gen Passat are lane-departure warning, automatic post-collision braking, parking steering assist, adaptive cruise control, forwards-collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert and so on. Some of them are brought to the Indian market as well.
2017 Volkswagen Passat India Rivals
The new Passat competes against the likes of main competitors such as Skoda Superb, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and possibly the entry-level versions of Mercedes-Benz CLA and Audi A3.
Also Read: Upcoming Cars in India by 2016-17
New Volkswagen Passat India Images
