Passat Coupé hits the road

The wraps are finally off the Passat Coupé – and there’s no mistaking what has influenced the sleek newcomer’s shape. Our snappers uncovered the car during winter testing, where it was up against both the weather and the Mercedes CLS.

As these pictures reveal, the VW shares the same rising waistline, low sweeping roof and high-set rear with the Merc star. At the front, the classy Passat carries a bold chrome grille and neat Eos-style front headlamps.

Inside, much of the cabin is carried over from the saloon, but quality has been improved. A significant addition will be the adoption of the latest touchscreen technology. The centre console-mounted unit will store music and feature a Bluetooth connection. Underneath the rakish exterior will be equally hi-tech mechanicals. Range- toppers are set to get the muscular 3.6-litre V6 petrol, powering the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system via the quick-shifting DSG gearbox.

Entry-level models get the innovative turbo and supercharged 1.4-litre TSI unit. Buyers looking to save on fuel will have the choice of existing TDI units or a new 2.0-litre common- rail oil-burner. And a Bluemotion model has aerodynamic and engine management tweaks for lowered emissions.

Prices will start at around £20,000 – half that of the CLS. The Passat is expected to make its world debut at the Geneva show in March, while the UK cars go on sale at end of 2008.