Volkswagen has launched the new eighth-generation Passat in India, starting at Rs 29.99 lakh for the entry-level Comfortline and Rs 32.99 lakh (both ex-showroom, Delhi) for the top-spec Highline trim.
Unlike the previous-gen Passat that was based on the PQ35 platform, the new model is based on VW’s MQB platform, which it shares with the Tiguan SUV and Skoda’s Octavia, Superb and Kodiaq. The new Passat is 4,767mm long (down 13mm from the earlier model), 1,832mm wide (up 12mm) and 1,456mm tall (down 13mm). The wheelbase is 80mm longer at 2,791mm. Thanks to the MQB platform, the new Passat also weighs 70kg less than its predecessor.
Under the bonnet of the Passat is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine that produces 177hp and 350Nm of peak torque. The unit is paired to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that powers the front wheels.
The Passat is available with five colour options – Oryx White, Deep Black, Black Oak Brown, Tungsten Silver and Harvard Blue. Here’s a comprehensive list of all the features available on the two variants:
Comfortline
- LED tail-lamps and headlamps with daytime running lights
- Cornering lamps
- Front and rear fog lamps
- Rear defogger
- Body coloured bumpers with trim
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Faux Vienna leather upholstery
- Chrome highlights for the AC vents and light switch
- Wood inserts for the dashboard and doors trim
- Piano black inserts for the central console
- Auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror
- Ambient lighting package
- Adjustable front centre armrest with storage
- Rear centre armrest with beverage holders
- Black and white multi-function touchscreen
- Three-zone climate control AC
- Rear AC vents finished in chrome
- Touchscreen infotainment system with eight speakers
- Aux-in, USB and Bluetooth
- Smartphone integration to the infotainment system via App Connect
- Smartphone-based navigation
- Powered front seats with adjustable lumbar support. Driver seat gets memory and massage functions
- Manually operated roll-up sunshields for rear side windows (electrically operated option also available)
- Powered wing mirrors. Driver's side gets memory function
- Height adjustable front seat belts
- Isofix child seat mounts in the rear
- 12V socket in rear centre console and luggage compartment
- Automatic headlamps with automatic range adjustment
- Cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Nine airbags
- ABS with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill start assist and auto hold function
- Electromechanical parking brake
- Adjustable front and rear seat head restraints
- Electronic vehicle immobilisation device
Highline
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Power sunroof
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Steel scuff plates on front and rear door steps
- Colour multi-function touchscreen display
- Reversing camera
- Voice command controls for the infotainment system
- Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) including driving profile selection
- Hands-free parking
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
