Volkswagen as launched the eighth generation of its luxury sedan, the Passat, in India at Rs 29.99 lakh. Available in two variants, the top-spec Highline trim is priced at Rs 32.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi).

The new Passat is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine that is tuned to produce 177hp and 350Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The eighth-gen Passat is underpinned by VW’s MQB platform, which it shares with the Tiguan SUV and Skoda’s Kodiaq SUV, Superb sedan and Octavia. The platform makes it 13mm less in length (4,767mm), 12mm wider (1,832mm) and 13mm shorter (1,456mm) than the previous gen model, with a wheelbase that is 80mm longer at 2,791mm. The increased width and wheelbase should liberate more space on the inside. The new Passat is also weighs 70kg less than its predecessor.

In terms of equipment, the luxury sedan comes with a panoramic sunroof, hands-free parking and parking assist with a rear camera, 9 airbags, ESC, ABS, hill-start assist, three-zone automatic AC, electrically adjustable front seat, LED Headlamps with DRLs, LED tail-lamps and 17-inch alloys. The Passat is available in six colour options - Oryx White Pearl effect, Deep Black Pearl effect, Black Oak Brown Metallic, Pyrit Silver Metallic, Atlantic Blue Metallic and Mangan Grey Metallic.

The Volkswagen Passat will rival the Skoda Superb, Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. At this price point, it the VW luxury sedan is on par with its competition.