Full details of 2015 Volkswagen Passat revealed

Volkswagen has release complete details and specifications of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat. In its eight generation, the all-new Passat is said to be up to 85kg lighter, yet more spacious than the outgoing model. The new sedan would come equipped with a new 2.0-litre TDI BiTurbo and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The company has not shared any official pictures of the new Passat yet, but had shown some sketches of the 2015 Volkswagen Passat. (Also read: 2015 Volkswagen Passat teaser released). The sketches hint at a sportier looking VW Passat, with a wider front design and coupe-like sloping roofline. The more muscular side profile will now feature prominent wheel arches and a distinct shoulder line. And the wrap-around taillights and rectangular dual exhaust tips complete the rear design.

According to the details shared by the German car maker, the new Volkwagen Passat will be the first VW Group product to be based on a stretched version of the MQB platform. The new sedan is said to have shed up to 85kg thanks to its high-strength vacuum-formed steels in the body.

Interestingly, the overall length has been shortened by 2mm than its predecessor, but due to the extended wheelbase and shorter overhangs the cabin has 33mm of extra space. The front seats are lower by 10mm, while rear passengers get 26mm surplus headroom. 

Compared to the outgoing model, the boot space has been increase by 47-litress to 650-litres in the Passat Estate. It also gets smart electronics, like a sensor underneath the bumper which unlocks the bootlids when one signals with his/her foot. And it also closes and locks the lid automatically as one steps away.

The other big change in the 2015 VW Passat is the introduction of a new diesel powertrain. The new 2.0-litre TDI motor is capable of 240PS of peak power and a massive 500Nm of torque. Delivering power to all four wheels is an updated seven-speed DSG gearbox.

There’s also a plug-in hybrid version on offer, which combines a 156PS 1.4 TSI engine with a 108PS electric motor, which works in conjunction to produce a total of 211PS and 400Nm of torque. On a thankful, the hybrid boasts of a total range of almost 1,000km, with an electric-only range of about 50km. 

There are more engine options to choose from including a couple of diesel mills - a 120PS 1.6 TDI and a 2.0 TDI with three different state of tune ranging from 150PS, 190PS or 240PS. In the petrol line-up Volkswagen will offer the 2015 Passat with a 1.4 TSI with 125PS or 150PS; a 1.8 TSI capable of 180PS; and a 2.0 TSI with 220PS or 280PS.

The cabin gets the latest MIB II infotainment system with colour touch screen, ranging from 5.8- to 8.0-inches. Also on offer is the new fully-configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The tech quotient has also been raised as the 2015 Volkswagen Passat sports full-LED headlights with on-board camera to avoid dazzling oncoming cars, along with full-LED taillights as standard. Drivers aids include lane assist, autonomous braking, emergency assist and parking assist system. A ideal feature for India is the new traffic jam assist, which lets the car crawl along automatically in a jam, following the car in front. 

The car will be officially unveiled on July 3, before its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October later this year. Initially, the 2015 Volkswagen Passat will be available in saloon and estate versions. And we expect other body types of the new Passat to be introduced in time, internationally. The new Passat is said to go on sale in Europe in 2015 with an estimated prices of about Rs 20 lakh onwards. VW will be introducing the new Passat in India soon after.