Volkswagen is preparing to launch the new eight-gen Passat in India sometime in January 2017. Test mules of the new car wearing no camouflage have already been spotted in India and dealerships are gearing up for the launch.
The new Passat, however, will only be introduced with a petrol engine. The motor in question is the 180hp 1.8-litre TSI engine that currently also powers the Skoda Octavia and Superb. The motor will be paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. VW will introduce a 2.0-litre diesel engine at a later stage.
The new model debuted internationally back in 2014 around the same time VW discontinued the previous generation model in India. The eight-gen car is marginally smaller than its predecessor, though VW claims that the MQB platform has allowed for increased cabin space. We drove the car on international roads and found the car to be spacious, well equipped and a very comfortable luxury sedan which would be well suited for our conditions.
Alongside, the standard car, VW is also planning to launch the plug-in hybrid Passat GTE to cater to the growing interest in alternative-fuel cars in the country. When launched, the GTE will be available in limited numbers only with the automaker looking to test the model’s feasibility for the country.
The Passat will take on the likes of the Skoda Superb, Toyota Camry while the Passat GTE will take on the new Honda Accord hybrid; to be launched later this month.