Volkswagen introduces eighth-generation Passat in India

German carmaker Volkswagen has launched the latest generation of its flagship sedan, the Passat, in India at a price of Rs 29,99,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Comfortline trim and at Rs 32,99,000 for the Highline variant.

The new Passat is the eighth generation model and is based on VW's Modular QuerBaukastern (MQB) platform, which has made it lighter by 70kg. The platform also spawns the VW Tiguan and the recently launched Skoda Kodiaq SUV. 

The Passat returns to India after a hiatus of almost three years, when the last generation was discontinued in India in 2014. While the dimensions of the latest generation Passat are now reduced, it still stands 4767mm long (-13mm), 1456mm tall (-13mm), is 1832mm wide (+12mm) and has a wheelbase of 2791mm (+80mm), allowing for better space inside the cabin.

The new Passat gets VW's new family grille design upfront, having a horizontal slat arrangement, finished in chrome. The headlamp cluster on either side boasts an all-projector LED setup.

The styling is quintessentially German and one cannot not mistake it for anything other than a Passat. The side profile has a clean design, with a subtle shoulder line running across from the front doors until the rear end. The wheels are multi-spoke 17-inch rims and give a sportier stance to the car. The rear end sees the presence of a pair of LED tail-lamps, built in two parts. 

On the inside, the Passat gets a plush cabin, with seats and door trims done in Nappa leather and comes with a panoramic sunroof. There is a touch-screen infotainment system on offer, along with built in connectivity functionalities.

The car also gets hands-free parking or Park Assist in VW speak, 360-degree aerial view and an easy opening boot.

The new Passat is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel motor, producing 175bhp of power and 350Nm of peak torque. The engine comes mated to VW's 6-speed DSG transmission.

On the safety front, the car comes equipped with 9 airbags, ESC, ASR, Hill Start Assist, Auto Hold and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. 

According to Steffen Knapp, director, VW Group Sales India, "With the launch of the new Passat, we are fulfilling our committment of introducing three products in 2017. The new Passat brings in style, luxury and sticks to the core values of high safety of the VW brand."

The new VW Passat will be available in six colour options, including Oryx White Pearleffect, Deep Black Pearleffect, Oak Brown Metallic, Pyrit Silver Metallic, Atlantic Blue Metallic and Magnum Grey Metallic.