Volkswagen has unveiled the Passat sedan facelift ahead of its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Styling changes to the car are minimal and the more significant changes concern technology, with a raft of assistance and connectivity upgrades.

The headline of the new arrival is a semi-autonomous autopilot system capable of operating at higher speeds, dubbed ‘Travel Assist’ – a first for Volkswagen. This can actively steer the Passat at speeds of up to 209kph. The system works in conjunction with smart adaptive cruise control that can respond
to speed limits, junctions and corners.

The new MIB3 infotainment system in the sedan gets a permanent data connection, Android Auto compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and an optional digital instrument display. Volkswagen is also planning to allow smartphone key access to the car – although this feature will only be compatible with Samsung devices, at least initially.

Design-wise, Volkswagen has tweaked the Passat’s bumpers and lights, with LED units now being standard across the range. There are also new alloy wheel designs and paint options on offer.

Globally, the new Passat will be offered with four diesel engine options – a 120hp 1.6 TDI, a 150hp 2.0 TDI, a 190hp 2.0 TDI and a range-topping 240hp BiTDI unit.

Petrol options for the Passat facelift include the base 150hp 1.5 TSI, and a 2.0 TSI in 190hp and 271hp states of tune. All engines are now fitted with particulate filters. There’s also a GTE plug-in hybrid version with a bigger battery on offer.

MIKE DUFF