New Passat's In The Frame

Quality is top of the agenda for VW engineers, as the popular machine is tipped to move upmarket. The idea is to close the gap between the current Passat and luxurious Phaeton, with the new Bora - also pictured in this week's mag - replacing the gap left by the Passat.

The new look draws heavily on the Concept C coup΃©-cabriolet, which will join the VW line-up before the end of 2005. Closer investigation reveals angular front headlamps, as seen in the picture we published in issue 810. Also note the grille - it dips into the front bumper in the style of the new Golf. At the rear, the Passat echoes the look of the Phaeton, a deliberate move to give the car a luxury feel.

As well as a fresh design, the Passat will offer a revised engine line-up featuring VW's most impressive powerplants. Initially, normally aspirated and turbocharged versions of the 2.0-litre FSI unit found in the Golf, as well as several variants of the firm's frugal 2.0-litre TDI, will be included. A 1.6-litre FSI entry-level petrol powerplant will also be introduced, along with a 105bhp oil-burner using the existing 1.9-litre TDI PD.