Volkswagen India has launched its all-new Passat saloon in India.
This is the seventh-generation Passat and is based on the same underpinnings as the outgoing car, although most of the body panels have been changed. Just four millimeters longer than the old car; however at 4769mm, its width and height however remain unchanged.
Styling changes include a bold VW Phaeton-like front grille, new headlights and new compact tail-lamps at the rear as well. The design is now more block-like and uses fewer curves, though the glasshouse of the car, or the pillars and the roof, remain similar to the outgoing Passat.
All Passat models feature 16-inch alloy wheels with unique design for the Highline variant, electric slide/tilt sunroof, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lights, daytime running LED lights, headlamp washer system and rain-sensing wipers. The new Passat is also equipped with Start-Stop technology that automatically switches off the engine when waiting in traffic in order to save fuel. The engine re-starts automatically when the driver’s feet touch the accelerator.
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, the use of better quality materials and plenty of chrome treatment helping here. The Passat has Acoustic Sound Lamination in front and rear windshields that help dampen traffic noise. The seats feature active ventilation and massage function and are 12-way electrically adjustable for the driver and front passenger.
There are also big changes under the hood. The 2.0 CR TDI engine makes a comeback to the Passat and now gets VW’s BlueMotion treatment. The motor has been tuned to improve efficiency and emissions and VW claims a big improvement in these areas. This is done using various technologies like altered tuning, India specific gear ratios, and aerodynamic tweaks. The 2.0 TDI BlueMotion motor however is no wimp; it delivers a considerably healthier 170bhp (32bhp more than the previous Passat) and 35.69kgm of torque.
The Passat Trendline variant is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the Comfortline and Highline variants feature a DSG box. Manual versions feature a gear shift indicator to help improve fuel consumption.
Safety features include dual front/side airbags with passenger airbag deactivation, as well as curtain airbags for front and rear passengers. The Passat also has Park Assist Technology that helps during the parking process and it maneuvers the car into any suitable parallel or perpendicular parking bay on its own. There is also Attention Assist that detects driver fatigue and warns with an acoustic signal and a message on the screen recommending a break from driving; this feature is also seen on some Mercedes-Benz models.
Prices for the Passat diesel variant are Rs 20.80 lakh for the base 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Trendline, Rs 23.80 lakh for the 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Comfortline and Rs 26.65 lakh for the top level 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Highline variant (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
