BREAKING: Volkswagen India Drops Passat From Official Website

• The VW Passat BS6 could initially be offered with a 2.0-litre TSI engine.
• The 2.0-litre TDI engine could be upgraded to meet BS6 norms if demand is healthy.
• Styling updates in the 2020 Passat include new headlamps, tail lamps and alloy wheels.

Volkswagen India has dropped the Passat premium sedan from its official website. It won’t be available, at least for the moment, since it employs a BS4 engine. However, VW India will soon bring back the Passat with BS6-compliant powertrains and revamped styling. 

Initially, the upcoming Passat could be offered with a BS6-compliant 2.0-litre TSI engine a la the upcoming Skoda Superb facelift. This engine develops 190PS of power and 320Nm of torque and will drive the front wheels. We expect this powertrain to be offered with a 7-speed DSG only. 

The 2.0-litre TDI will most likely be available at a later stage with BS6 upgrades if demand for diesel cars are healthy. Speaking to Zigwheels, the Head of Volkswagen India, Steffen Knapp, said "very high likelihood that we'll continue with diesel." The TDI motor developed 177PS of power and 350Nm of torque in the BS4 Passat and we expect the same in the BS6 car. For compliance with the stricter emission norms, VW will use AdBlue technology, as seen in most global vehicles with the same engine. However, this could result in a hefty price hike.

The 2020 Volkswagen Passat BS6 will also come with updates to freshen up its design. Upgrades include new LED headlamps, tail lamps, as well as new alloy wheels. Expected interior updates include a fully digital instrument cluster and a bigger 9.2-inch infotainment system with connected car technology. 

Volkswagen may choose to showcase the 2020 Passat BS6 at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020. Expect it to be priced at a premium, compared to the outgoing model, which was priced from Rs 29.99 lakh (ex-showroom). When launched, it will renew its rivalries with the Toyota Camry hybrid and the upcoming Skoda Superb facelift.