The upcoming Volkswagen Passat has been spied on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway this week, months away from its Indian market launch. We can expect it to be introduced in the start of 2017.
The test mule was taking rounds without any camouflage and sported a 2.0 TDI badge indicating that VW India will continue to power the sedan by the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TDI diesel mill. This engine is capable of producing 168bhp of power and will most likely come mated to a six-speed DSG transmission.
This 2017 Passat is based on the German carmaker’s new MQB platform. In comparison to its predecessor, this new vehicle has lost 85kg of bulk, all thanks to its lighter construction. Despite being 2mm shorter in its overall length, VW engineers have also managed to stretch the saloon’s wheelbase to 2,791mm. This is a full 80mm longer than before. The new VW Passat is also wider by 12mm, as Volkswagen has increased the boot space by 21 litres, which now stands at 586 litres.
Volkswagen’s aim is to keep their product range in tune with the consumer's changing demands. So, apart from bringing in subtle but significant aesthetic upgrades to their existing portfolio of cars, VW plans to add new cars to their range. This includes this new Passat. When launched, it will compete with the Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and the upcoming Honda Accord in India.
Image Source: Auto Column
