Volkswagen’s new efficient and cleaner Eco Passat set to take on Ford’s Mondeo
2014-11-15 15:34:36
Volkswagen has unveiled the latest and eighth generation of its Passat saloon and estate range. Built to rival the Vauxhall Insignia and take on the forthcoming Ford Mondeo, VW are keen to point out the improved efficiency gains that have been derived from a new line-up of engines. The new Passat uses the same set of chassis components that already underpin the company’s VW Golf, and its cousins, the Audi A3, SEAT Leon and Skôda Octavia, bringing improved economies of scale for the German car manufacturing giant.
The new Passat was revealed back in July as a sleeker, lighter and more upmarket model. It’s wheelbase has been stretched to ensure that there is more cabin space for passengers to enjoy, particularly head- and leg-room. Boot capacity has also increased, with saloon models now having 586-litres, 21-litres more than before, and estate models gaining almost 50-litres extra, taking their capacity to 650-litres.
The new Passat gets a more rounded look with swept back headlamps. At the rear, it has been made to look more appealing. Estate models will carry a £1,530 premium over the 4-door saloon variants.
The UK is only being offered diesel-engined options from launch. There is a choice of a 118bhp 1.6-litre, a 2.0-litre turbocharged model with a choice of 148bhp or 187bhp outputs, or the range-topping 237bhp 2.0-litre bi-turbo which also comes with a 7-speed wet-clutch DSG automatic ‘box and 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
The diesel-only availability means that the entry-level Passat will be £1,840 more expensive than the outgoing model, but Volkswagen contends that this promises a raft of significant improvements.
From launch, there will be five trim levels on offer: entry-level S, SE, SE Business, GT and R-Line.
Standard equipment on all models will include a Post-Collision braking system and misfuelling prevention. The entry-level model is the £22,215 Passat 1.6 TDI 120 S fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. The same car with an estate body will be £23,745. Emissions start from just 103g/km for the saloon model.
SE models gain front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, Pre-Crash, Driver Profile and Ergo Comfort seats with the SE Business trim adding a DiscoverNav touchscreen satellite navigation system.
GT models gain heated Alcantara-covered seats, three-zone climate control and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. Sport-oriented R-Line models gain a butch body kit, xenon headlights, touchscreen DAB radio system and sports suspension in addition to other R-Line adornments. The 237bhp 2.0 BiTDI DSG R-Line Estate emits 140g/km of CO2 and costs £37,035.
A wide range of technology-inspired options will feature as options on the Passat, including Car-Net guide, Pedestrian Protection, Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Assist and Trailer Assist.
Later on in 2015, new equipment will be introduced to the Passat, such as a 12.3-inch TFT display which will replace the traditional instruments, along with a head-up display.
The Passat GTE plug-in hybrid, also revealed today, will not be available until later in October 2015. But before that, in June 2015 these will be joined by BlueMotion versions of 1.6-litre diesel which promises efficiencies of 78.0mpg and 95g/km of CO2. An Alltrack version of the Passat estate will follow a month later in July 2015.
This is an abridged version of an article especially prepared by First4Auto on behalf of EcoCars4Sale.
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
