Volkswagen launches a new Passat

Words by Anand Mohan

Volkswagen has finally launched the Passat in India, with introductory prices starting at Rs 29.99 lakh, ex-showroom, for the Comfortline. The Highline trim level sports a sticker of Rs 32.99 lakh, ex-showroom.

The Passat in its latest avatar is built on the versatile MQB platform and will share the VW Group’s punchy yet efficient 2-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine with the Tiguan, the Skoda Kodiaq, Superb and Octavia. However, in the Passat the engine will be seen in the same state of tune as in the Superb, dishing out a healthy 174bhp and 350Nm. The six-speed DSG gearbox will also be shared.

By the looks of it, the Passat is a handsome car, the restrained sharpness has a charm to itself and besides the chiselled looks, it comes with all the bells and whistles. The new Passat gets nine airbags, hill start assist, auto hold, reverse camera with 360-degree view, dynamic chassis control, app Connect, Nappa leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, VW’s handsfree Park Assist function, and more.

“We are extremely pleased to launch the technologically advanced new Passat in India offering our customers a carline that is equipped with superior safety features and driving dynamics that brand Volkswagen is known to offer across the industry,” said Steffen Knapp, director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India at the launch.

The Passat will compete with the Superb, which is a strong competitor in this segment. VW also has to fend off the Toyota Camry, that till recently was a popular sedan with its hybrid variant. Hybrids however no longer enjoy the government’s tax support. The Accord being a CBU is priced much higher.

The previous generation Passat was discontinued in 2014 after which it took VW quite some time to finalise on its premium sedan plans for India. In fact, VW had showcased the Passat in the first quarter of this year in India. The current VW portfolio is an aging one with cars like the Polo, Vento and Ameo now technically a generation old with the next generation Polo already having been revealed globally. We also know that as of now, the new Polo does not fit into VW India’s plans as it will be a challenge to price it competitively here. VW has no option but to move upmarket and target the premium customer. The Tiguan straddles the SUV space, and now we have the Passat.