Volkswagen has launched the new Passat in India. First showed globally in 2014, and on sale in international markets for two years now, the Volkswagen Passat re-enters Indian soil as the luxury car segments grow more popular. The Passat will be sold in India in two familiar Volkswagen trims – Comfortline and Highline, and are priced at Rs. 29.99 lac and Rs. 32.99 lac, respectively.
Technology
The Volkswagen Passat gets a similar infotainment system as the Skoda Superb, along with more bells and whistles. Along with the Volkswagen SmartLink+ platform that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink, the ‘Composition Media’ infotainment unit also gets an integrated navigation system, and a host of connectivity features including USB, SD card, aux and Bluetooth.
The new Passat in India also gets a dynamic reverse parking camera with 360-degree view, Park Assist with VW Parktronic and handsfree parking, mobile app connect and a three-zone automatic climate control system. You also get fully electronically adjustable front seats with memory function, power-adjustable lumbar support, a massager on the driver seat, along with full LED lights and cornering light, and safety features like nine airbags, auto hold with electronic park brake, hill start assist, ESP, automatic traction control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The Passat gets eight speakers, cruise control, sensor-based boot open, and rain-sensing wipers as well.
There is also a ‘Premium’ multi-colour MID mounted in the instrument cluster, which provides prompts for the navigation system, audio, driving dynamics, telephony and the standard trip details. You also get outside temperature display, date and time, distance to empty and average fuel economy displayed through the MID. The Passat also gets the ambient LED lighting package, along with an auto-dimming interior mirror
Drive and Design
The new Volkswagen Passat is powered by the company’s 2-litre diesel engine, paired to the tried-and-tested 6-speed DSG transmission. It produces 175bhp and 350Nm of torque, available between 1500-3500rpm. It also gets a 66-litre fuel tank, and comes with ARAI-certified mileage of 17.42kmpl.
Design wise, the Passat retains the swept bank, long wheelbase stance that its previous generations have come with. It gets a lot of chrome, with wide chrome slats to the front grille, and along the window line. The Passat will rival the Skoda Superb, which it shares its platform with, along with the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, in India. Unlike the Superb, though, the Passat has somewhat retained the identifiable rear facade. The two feature trims of the Passat are available in six colours – Oryx White Pearl effect, Deep Black Pearl effect, Black Oak Brown Metallic, Pyrit Silver Metallic, Atlantic Blue Metallic and Mangan Grey Metallic.
The Volkswagen Passat is now available across Volkswagen outlets in India, and the introductory pricing is Rs. 29.99 lac for the Comfortline trim, and Rs. 32.99 lac for the all-inclusive Highline trim.