Meet the new Volkswagen Passat. Our exclusive main picture – leaked from a German VW brochure – shows the upcoming family saloon without disguise for the first time.
Back in Issue 1,115, we brought you spy shots of a four-door testing in the Alps, wearing camouflage. But this image goes one better by revealing the production version.
As we suspected, the front end is revised, to fall in line with the rest of the VW family. With lower, wider air intakes and a narrower upper grille, the Passat now looks similar to the latest Polo and Golf head-on. The lights have been tweaked to include LED daytime running lamps, too.
Inside, the firm will add some class by carrying over the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and chrome-rimmed dials from the sportier and more exclusive Passat CC. As a result, the newcomer will target the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class.
The current Passat’s range of petrol and diesel engines is likely to remain unchanged, with 1.4 and 1.8-litre TSI petrol units and 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels. A hot R model, featuring a 2.0-litre turbo delivering close to 270bhp, is set to follow.
VW will take the wraps off the new Passat at October’s Paris Motor Show, and it’s due on sale early next year.
For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Passat Saloon visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
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I always liked the passat for a family car but it seems as if the designers had a heart attack and stopped the design in the middle or the beginning or something.
The most un-inspiring model ever. Shape that I wouldn't wash every sunday!!!
I like this alot!
This looks like a design from 80s. A Skoda may better suit the new face.
Even Huyndai designers are laughing today. Because they know their cars look better than this.
This facelift seems to end up looking far worse than the original.
The last version of the Passat one one of the most striking saloons ever. So lovely! But what's happened! This version is a dull as dishwater.
C'mon VW, please don't release this version without listening to the people!
Looks ok for a Volkswagen.. Sadly that isn't really a compliment!
Thankfully Volkswagen don't listen to the people who want wizz bang wallop design from their cars (ie Ford Fiesta) and instead design understated classy cars that stand the test of time and become classics (ie Scirocco, Golf, Polo....) who will remember the Hyundai i20 for it's style, inspiration and design in years to come?
what a shame. i really liked the old passat which had a classy look. this looks "me too". completely uninspiring.
Dull as a dishwasher, just like the people who lwill drive it. It's perfect !!!
As dull as a dull dullard on a dull day. I think I prefered it with the camouflage on!
But, wow! - are they really carrying over the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel? Be still my beating heart!
Need I say more!
How original....what is it with VW/Audi/BMW have they got no imagination?
How original....what is it with VW/Audi/BMW have they got no imagination?
@Bond_James_Bond I guess it takes one to know one.
Compare it to the new 2012 Mondeo which was linked alongside it at the time of writing, I know which I'd much rather have.
This design is good and looks luxurious However it looks like the old passat made in year 2000 and 1998 so whats new???
I'm tyre kicker, it is dull but nothing to complain, if VW made its cars with too many so-called stylish pronouced lines piled up, like Hyundai or Ford, VW would not be VW...
This is one boring guy; understated classy cars that stand the test of time and become classics (ie Scirocco, Golf, Polo....) who will remember the Hyundai i20 for it's style, inspiration and design in years to come? adey1972
What and people will remember this? Ok maybe for it's lack of style, lack of inspiration and lack of design. It's a backwards step. I actually liked the outgoing Passat. It was the most stylish car in their range. Perhaps it was too stylish for them, or it was a design fluke that showed up the rest of the range! I agree with other posts; boring, bland and a backwards step. I think this would make a better Skoda Superb replacement. Well done VW!
Pull the stops out on this design. Its futuristic, bold, a head turner, a fashion statement and millions of pounds (or Euros!) spent on a complete overhaul of such an appealing design. That's what should of been said but instead we have this dull piece of rabbit droppings of a car. Makes the Mondeo look fashionable which is pushing the boat out really far! Goes to show what they think of their current Passat drivers - boring bunch of old farts!
Looks dated before its on the roads!
Have just returned from another visit to Germany. It is here that you see what VW are on about. On their home turf, surrounded by BMWs, Mercs and Audis - VWs look classy, understated and in keeping. It is the gimmicky, plasticky looking Fords, Opels and most of the Asian metal that looks trashy and out of place. Personally I'd take classy and understated every time.
looks good from here but i cant wait to see it in the showroom. it looks like a revamped 2000-2004 model. You all seem to forget VW are surprising the world with awards.
GOLF WON WORLD CAR OT THE YEAR 2009 AND POLO WON WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR 2010 IS THE NEW PASSAT TO MAKE IN A THREE IN A ROW!!!
All the comments about the Passat's new look may not suit everybody's taste. Yes it is evolutionary, not revolutionary, but at the end of the day, it is a VW that many owners swear by. It will have space for people and luggage, ergonomically adept, kind to the pocket and enviroment, and all who will drive it will be smug with the knowledge they made the right choice. Style seekers? Maybe you should look elsewhere!