SCOOP! Next-gen Passat spy pics

Less than a day ago, we were the first ones to reveal that Volkswagen India will launch its next-gen Passat saloon on March 29, and its only fitting  that we bring you the first ever spy pictures of new Passat saloon in India caught testing in Pune by our reader Mohammed Kathawala.

The seventh generation Passat is based on the same underpinnings as the outgoing car, although most of the body panels have been changed. It’s just four millimetres longer than the old car, at 4769mm, but its width and height remain unchanged.

Styling changes include a fresh front grille and headlight treatment, and more chrome and new tail-lamps at the rear. On the inside, the cabin looks very similar to the current car, with the wide horizontally split dash and inset instrument dials. However, the interiors feel even better built and more upmarket with the use of better quality materials and plenty of chrome treatment.

At the time of the launch, VW is likely to offer the new Passat with 2.0 TDI diesel and 1.8 TSI petrol options. While both are familiar engines, the 2.0 TDI will now deliver a considerably healthier 170bhp, 32bhp more than the current engine. The saloon will be offered with manual and DSG gearboxes options.

VW is offering the new Passat with loads of safety and luxury features in the European markets, however, it needs to been seen what features make it to India. Expect the prices to be marginally higher than the current model.