Prices revealed for new Passat

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last month, the Passat takes on not only a fresh appearance both inside and out with every panel and glass surface apart from the roof being new, but also adopts the latest technologies and efficiency measures to make it among the most advanced and economical cars in its class.

Every diesel engine is now badged as a BlueMotion Technology product and is equipped with battery regeneration and Stop/Start systems as standard.  The result is that the entry-level 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS is capable of exceeding the economy of the outgoing BlueMotion model with a combined economy of 65.7 mpg and CO₂ emissions of 114 g/km.  In turn, the new BlueMotion model, due to go on sale in early 2011, will return 68.8 mpg and emit 109 g/km of CO₂.

Upgraded common rail diesel engines and gearboxes also feature, with a six-speed manual gearbox being fitted to the 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS engine for the first time.

Three trim levels will be available: S, SE and Sport.  Additional equipment added to the new Passat over the outgoing model includes an iPod interface and leather multifunction steering wheel for the S model.  The SE trim level gains an eight-speaker digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and the new driver fatigue detection system; while at the top of the range the new Sport model gains RNS 315 touchscreen satellite navigation.

All Passats will be fitted with six airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system), ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and WOKS (whiplash-optimised head restraints) as standard.

In addition, the new Passat promises to be the quietest and most refined iteration yet.  Thicker glass is fitted to the side windows while the windscreen features a thin plastic film sandwiched between two layers of the glass to help reduce noise transmission.  The front bulkhead incorporates increased sound deadening which, combined with the latest generation of common rail diesel and TSI petrol engines, aims to cut the engine noise entering the interior of the new Passat.

The best-selling version of the new Passat is forecast to be the SE 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS model; the Estate is expected to out-sell the saloon for the first time – accounting for around 53 per cent of total volume.

Pricing for the new Passat saloon and Estate follows – a full list of specifications can be found at www.volkswagen.co.uk.

New Passat pricing

*BMT denotes BlueMotion Technology

New Passat Estate pricing

*BMT denotes BlueMotion Technology