Volkswagen’s eight generation Passat has been launched in India at ₹29.99 lakh. The luxury sedan is available in two versions; the higher-spec model is priced at ₹32.99 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). Both variants are powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel engine making 177hp and 350Nm of torque, the engine comes mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The all-new Passat uses VW’s MQB platform, this platform is shared by the Tiguan, Kodiaq, Superb and Octavia. Thanks to this new platform, the eight-gen model is 13mm less in length, 12mm wider and 13mm shorter than the seventh-gen model. The wheelbase has also got longer by 80mm longer taking the total to 2,791mm. Interior room is set to go up owing to this increase in wheelbase. Another plus point of the eight-gen Passat is that it is 70kg lighter than its predecessor.
The Passat has a long feature list that one can expect from a luxury sedan in its segment. Features include a panoramic sunroof, hands-free parking and parking assist with a rear camera, 9 airbags, ESC, ABS, hill-start assist, three-zone automatic AC, electrically adjustable front seat, LED Headlamps with DRLs, LED tail-lamps and 17-inch alloys.
The Passat is available in six colour options - White, Black, Brown, Silver, Blue and Grey.
In terms of competition, the Passat will take on the Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and the Honda Accord. The luxury sedan from Volkswagen has been priced pretty competitively.